Shelter claims that 397 households became homeless every day between July and September 2021 – the first three months after the eviction ban ended. 

And the charity claims that now that other Covid protections are gone – such as the £20 boost to Universal Credit and furlough – the situation will worsen.

Shelter suggests that government data shows the end of a private tenancy as the reason 20 per cent of all households were found to be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by their council. 

This has increased by 42 per cent in a year and is returning to pre-pandemic levels. 

Shelter – which is currently fundraising – also claims that some 4,440 households were threatened with homelessness after receiving a Section 21 eviction notice from their landlord – a 33 per cent rise on the previous quarter.  

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, says: “Last summer, even with some Covid protections still in place, nearly 400 households a day were thrown into homelessness. Now living costs are spiralling and all the protections are gone, even more people will be exposed to homelessness. 

“The advisers working on our emergency helpline can hear the sheer panic in people’s voices as they ring up desperate to keep a safe roof over their heads. The stress and uncertainty of the situation seeps into every part of a person’s or family’s life. 

“The end of the eviction ban has triggered a rising tide of homelessness that could turn into a flood. No-one should have to face homelessness alone, which is why we urgently need the public’s support so that we can keep picking up the phone and give anyone who needs it free and expert help.”