The share of the Scottish Government’s new £10m Tenant Grant Fund will further help Stirling Council in preventing evictions that arise as a result of covid-19 related rent arrears.

The pandemic has had a significant impact on some people’s ability to maintain rent payments. This financial lifeline enables the council to prevent homelessness and sustain tenancies by reducing, alleviating, or paying off altogether any rent arrears built up during the pandemic.

The grant does not have to be repaid and is available to all tenants in Council, housing association or privately rented accommodation.

This is a time-limited scheme available until March 2022 and payment will be made directly to landlords to clear arrears on the understanding that any ongoing legal proceedings to evict a tenant are stopped.

Any grants awarded to a landlord will be a one-off award, and only arrears accrued between 23 March 2020 and 9 August 2021 are eligible to be paid off.

Grants will be used to make a full or partial payment of arrears, depending on individual circumstances, and will be targeted towards current tenants who are at the greatest risk of becoming homeless.

Councillor Jim Thomson, housing portfolio holder, said: “This fund from the Scottish Government means that Stirling Council can do even more to help people remain in their home during these difficult times, and can help remove the burden of debt from vulnerable households.”

Councillor Alasdair MacPherson, depute portfolio holder for housing, added: “The pandemic has led to a significant increase in the number of households with money worries and I welcome the introduction of this innovative Scottish Government fund which will help reduce the risk of households being evicted and will support people who may have otherwise become homeless.”

Councillor Danny Gibson, depute portfolio holder for housing, commented: “If you are a tenant experiencing financial difficulties that could lead to eviction, don’t delay, please contact Stirling Council to see if this scheme could help you.”

The council’s housing options team are responsible for processing applications for this Fund. Tenants may be asked to provide evidence of how the pandemic has impacted their ability to pay their rent.