Gideon Amos MP tells Parliament of loss of 'friend'

The MP for Taunton and Wellington, Gideon Amos, spoke movingly in Parliament yesterday (Wednesday) about the death of a constituent “who became more of a friend”.

His comments came during the Second Reading of the Renters’ Rights Bill which aims to give greater security to millions of tenants.

It includes a ban of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions across new and existing tenancies.

Leading on the Bill for the Liberal Democrats, Mr Amos told the Commons: “The Bill is about bringing an end to the shameful delays of successive Conservative Governments when it comes to protecting renters from unfair evictions … the change really can’t come soon enough.”

He added: “One of my constituents, Mike Godleman, came to me some time ago. He had been served with a section 21 eviction notice while recovering from major surgery. He had loved his home of over nine years.

“A couple of months ago, his councillor and I visited him to try to help him. We met a kind, gentle and creative man who taught sign language, loved dance and was a talented teacher and photographer.

“His charming sons Perez and Zakkai meant the absolute world to him, and he had become more of a friend to us than a constituent. His sons were a complete credit to him when we met them.

“Sadly, some 10 days ago Mike was found in his flat.

“He had passed away as a result of a pulmonary embolism - clearly not caused by his eviction notice, but surely people in Mike’s position should not have to suffer being made homeless as a result of a notice that inherently, and on the face of it, shows that there was no fault on his part.

During his speech, Mr Amos said the government faced huge challenges, “but we must not shrink from the objective of ending homelessness for good.”

He added: “Somerset council has more than 10,000 people on the council housing waiting list and was brought to the brink of bankruptcy by the Conservative Government’s cuts to proposed funding for social care.

“In those circumstances, it is not surprising that Somerset and local authorities across the country are unable to enforce the standards of housing that we would want. 

"The House of Commons Library found ‘evidence of low and inconsistent levels of enforcement’ when it comes to addressing poor property standards."

Mr Amos said "no amount of words" in the Bill would make up for the need for funding so that local authorities can support decent homes in the rented sector.

The Bill successfully passed its Second Reading with Liberal Democrat support and will now move to the committee stage.