Issue with Tenant

[LandlordDilemma]

Posting here for traffic

WWYD?
I know Landlords aren't well thought of on here so I am honestly wondering what people would do if they were in this situation.
I became a landlord after being widowed in my early 40's, with one primary (SEND) & one secondary age child. I needed monthly income to support my children & I had a capital sum, good credit score & interest rates were low so saving would not have generated enough income to support my family. I also work.
Tenant lost job in Covid & only made part payments to rent, started working again after a period of time). During this period landlords could not inspect, no notifications received from tenant - property was trashed/filthy, tiles knocked off in bathroom now misding so i couldn't put back, leak through ceiling to room below as continued to shower, removed cupboards, drilled holes in windows..... (lots more). Had pets without permission which caused damage other alterations which are terrible without permission which will need fixing.
No payments have been received towards the arrears (3/4 months in value), didn't increase rent as they were struggling. Loaned them money, purchased essentials including bedding after child burnt bed/duvet. (1 child lives in the property)
Rent increased in 2023 as now way off market rate (still way below market % but to get to market rate would not have been reasonable) arrears is still outstanding. Now saying that they didn't agree to the rent increase & disputing receiving notifications even though responded.
Would you Section 8 evict as enough is enough - accept it will cost £7k to bring the property back to the standard but you could rent the property to someone who respects it & pays - Not Being Unreasonable
OR reissue rent increase notifications deduct the payments received from the arrears & leave them in there, living in their own squalor as the property is already trashed - Unreasonable

Evict and keep the deposit with evidence of damage (and hopefully you did photos of condition before they moved in.
I had a non paying tenant and even though I had landlords insurance it wouldn't kick in til after six months of missed rent. Luckily he was on a six months lease and I gave notice and very fortunately he did move out - leaving all the windows and doors (two sets of french doors to balconies) open during a rain storm, plus taking the garage fob costing me £75 to replace. I don't understand how people can behave so badly.

Do you have any reason to believe they will miraculously improve in the future?
If not why delay the inevitable?
Do expect the local council to tell them to stay put and fight each step as they will very likely have to accept them as homeless at some stage.
Have you repaired the property to a sufficient standard to be free of Class 1 hazards? If not you need to do so as the local council could issue an enforcement notice and prevent Section 21 action for 6 months.
You could still use Section 8, but again be prepared for them being able to convince the judge that the arrears are due to Housing Benefit delays, or making up repairs that they say they carried out because you wouldn’t.
Even if your tenants were willing to go they will find it hard to find a private rented property that they can afford and will accept benefits. The council may well threaten them with being ‘intentionally homeless’ unless they fight the eviction.

There is no such thing as an accidental landlord.
Nobody accidentally falls into your property and accidentally sets up payments to you.

Speaking as a person who gotta section 21 and my life was made hell by it...get rid. They won't improve neither will your situation unless you get better tenants

Thank you everyone for your thoughts.

I decided to cut my losses & issue the Section 21. I know how the process & timeframes work - I won't be soft again