Our collective commitment to provide quality, affordable homes and empower residents has taken another significant step forward, as Prima Group acquires seven homes through Knowsley Council’s Private Rented Rescue Scheme, an initiative that supports residents at risk of losing their homes following a Section 21 ‘nofault’ eviction.
This collaborative approach is helping protect local families from disruption and instability. Under the scheme, participating housing associations can access targeted grant funding to purchase properties where private landlords intend to sell, with the aim of keeping existing tenants safely housed.
The £1 million fund, created through developer Section 106 contributions, enables registered providers to bridge the gap between market value and social value and any essential repair or compliance work needed. All homes acquired through the scheme meet Prima’s own quality benchmarks, including achieving EPC Band C as standard.
John Ghader, chief executive of Prima, said:
“The Private Rented Rescue Scheme is a fantastic initiative that is making a big difference reducing the number of people at risk of becoming homeless when they have done nothing wrong.
“It gives people good-quality, secure homes that are fully regulated and stops families being separated or struggling to find a suitable place to live after being evicted.
“The scheme reduces their monthly rent and provides vital stability because people can continue living in the same home and community where they are close to schools, work, family and friends.
“It also reduces the potential of families being split up when moving into temporary accommodation or having to relocate to a new area which can be heartbreaking and really disruptive.”
Tenancies for the newly acquired homes are assured, with rents set at Local Housing Allowance levels to ensure long-term affordability.
Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Knowsley Council, said:
“The scheme has huge benefits for all parties involved, but first and foremost it is another layer of support that prevents people becoming homeless.
“By reducing the number of people needing expensive temporary accommodation, it saves us a significant amount of money so we can invest in other key services.
“The more properties added to the affordable homes sector in our borough increases options and reduces the number of people being added to our housing waiting list.
“We also know housing associations like Prima provide a range of added value services with wider societal benefits too, such as helping tenants find work, accessing training, providing financial support and introducing them to healthy lifestyle initiatives.”
Recent figures published by the Ministry of Justice show over 30,000 Section 21 notices were issued in England between July 2024 and June 2025, resulting in 11,400 bailiff-led evictions, a 9% rise on the previous year. With these pressures in mind, the government’s plan to abolish Section 21 from 1 May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act marks a major shift in the national housing landscape.
Prima Group welcomes this reform, with Mr Ghader adding:
“We really welcome the Renters’ Rights Act banning Section 21 no-fault evictions because it will give people more protection and security.
“It is our belief the new legislation will lead to more private landlords selling their properties as many will not want to comply with the new regulations.
“We want to acquire more homes via the Private Rented Rescue Scheme and hope other local authorities look to establish similar models.”
