It comes as the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee publishes a report urging the government to create a coherent exit plan to help private renters tackle arrears built up during the pandemic.

The report’s conclusions echo those of StepChange’s Covid Debt Rescue campaign which is calling emergency support to help renters.

Richard Lane, StepChange director of external affairs, said: “We welcome the committee’s findings which highlight that targeted financial support is badly needed to help private renters exit safely from this pandemic. Without these measures, renters face a crisis of housing insecurity, homelessness and eviction.

“Around half a million private renters have fallen into arrears since March 2020 and many are now worried about being evicted from their home. With the expiry of the rental eviction suspension in just two months, now is the time to tackle the covid rent debt crisis with decisive solutions.

“It’s vital ministers act on the Committee’s call for an emergency financial support package for tenants and landlords.

“The Committee’s favoured solution of discretionary payments can be implemented quickly, and we also see potential for a wider package of grants and no-interest loans to give renters a sustainable way to recover and to help them keep their homes.”