New figures from the Ministry of Justice show 1,516 evictions took place in England and Wales between April and June.

The evictions ban in England only formally ended on 31 May, but landlords could have sought possession orders if there was a special reason to do so e.g. Anti-Social Behaviour or long running rent arrears that predated Covid-19.

And campaigners said this shows why MHCLG needs to keep on top of the issue, reminding the Government of why a Covid Rent Debt Fund should be established.

Alicia Kennedy, Director of Generation Rent, said: “These figures are a huge increase on the previous quarter, despite restrictions on evictions by bailiffs only being lifted in June. But this still only represents a small number of renters who have faced eviction.

“There are thousands more who have lost work and got behind on their rent during the pandemic, and will find it difficult to repay that, even if their income recovers.

“It is almost impossible to move to a new home if you’re relying on benefits, so these renters face huge uncertainty in the months ahead while they wait to be told when the bailiffs will arrive.

“Only a Covid Rent Debt Fund to clear these rent arrears will help renters back to their feet and remove the threat of homelessness from thousands of families. The government must act urgently to relieve this hardship.”