Despite Labour’s pre-election pledge to ban no-fault evictions, five Labour-run councils in England have issued 191 households with Section 21 eviction notices since July’s election, according to a Guardian investigation.

While local authorities typically cannot carry out no-fault evictions, some councils have exploited a legal loophole through arm’s length housing companies that manage their housing stock. These companies offer assured shorthold tenancies, allowing them to issue Section 21 notices normally reserved for private landlords.

Lambeth council has issued 63 notices through Homes for Lambeth, with two households already removed by bailiffs. Documents reveal the council delayed implementation because it was “too controversial” during the pre-election period. Tenant Jules Zakolska, 27, described residents as “traumatised,” with some experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Reading council announced plans to close Homes for Reading shortly after the election, subsequently issuing 48 no-fault notices. Among those affected is Charlene Flygring, 38, who now shares a bedsit with her four-year-old son after being evicted from a home she loved.

Blackpool council has issued 73 notices, often to address antisocial behavior, though such cases should typically use different eviction procedures that allow tenants to challenge decisions.

Nottingham city council issued two notices while continuing to disband its housing companies following a £50m funding scandal. Enfield council served five notices, with all households subsequently removed by bailiffs.

Many vacated properties are being repurposed as temporary accommodation for homeless people, despite originally being designated for key workers. The Ministry of Housing states that Section 21 evictions remain “unacceptable” and will be banned through upcoming renters’ rights legislation.