No Greenwich Council tenant will face eviction as a result of arrears accrued in relation to coronavirus, the authority’s cabinet member for housing announced on Wednesday.

Shooters Hill Councillor Chris Kirby also called on private landlords to halt evictions during the outbreak of the deadly virus, adding the council would urge housing associations in the borough to do the same.

It comes as Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the Government would bring forward emergency legislation to protect private renters from eviction.

However Greenwich Council’s early assurance will be welcomed by the borough’s housing tenants, many of who could face trouble paying rent if left out of work due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“No Greenwich Council tenant will face eviction as a result of arrears accrued in relation to Covid-19/Coronavirus,” Cllr Kirby posted on Twitter on Wednesday.

“We are planning a conference call with our partner housing associations and we trust they will also suspend any arrears evictions at this time.

“We have a strong working relationship with our local HAs and will be discussing how we can work together in the current climate.”

“It goes without saying that we strongly urge private landlords to halt evictions for arrears too.”

“It is crucial the government make clear ASAP that they will underwrite rental payments for those affected by Covid-19 and end the wait for new Universal Credit claimants.”

Cllr Kirby added the authority was working to ensure “as full a repairs and care-taking service as possible” for council housing as well.

Further details are expected to be released pending discussions with the council’s partner housing associations.

The news will be welcomed by residents who face being temporarily out of work, as coronavirus precautions urged by the Government hit businesses across London.

It comes as the borough also announced fines and fees for anyone who has had problems visiting the borough’s libraries due to the virus would be waived.