Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. The Public Health (Protection from Eviction) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 have been made to protect public health by ensuring that tenants are not evicted into homelessness during this critical stage of the pandemic. The regulations prevent, except in specified circumstances, attendance by High Court enforcement officers or bailiffs at a dwelling house for the purpose of executing a writ or warrant of possession, executing a writ or warrant of restitution, or delivering a notice of eviction. The specified circumstances include, for example, when the claim is made wholly or partly on the grounds of antisocial behaviour. 

The regulations expire on 31 March 2021, but will be subject to a review cycle during the period that they are in force to ensure that the restrictions and requirements remain proportionate. The first review must take place in the period before 28 January 2021. They must then be reviewed at least once in each subsequent three-week period. This will enable the reviews to be aligned with the review time that's in the Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (No. 5) (Wales) Regulations 2020.

The regulations are, effectively, a continuation of the protections put in place by the Public Health (Protection from Eviction) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2020, which prevented the enforcement of evictions over the Christmas period and which expired on 11 January. Given the deterioration in the pandemic in recent weeks and the introduction of the alert level 4 regulations on 20 December, I consider it essential that, for the time being, tenants continue to be protected from the risk of eviction. Those subject to eviction are currently at much greater risk of being made homeless. Accessibility of services, advice and support may be much reduced as a consequence of the pandemic and the pressure on public services that has arisen. Similarly, the availability of alternative accommodation is likely to be much more limited. A person made homeless is, of course, at greater risk of both contracting COVID-19 and transmitting it to others. It is imperative that we take action to avoid evictions resulting in homelessness because of the risk this poses to homeless individuals and public health more widely. Should the situation improve and the wider health protection restrictions be eased, the regular reviews will allow us to consider whether these regulations remain necessary. I commend the motion for approval by Members.