More than 3 million households in Britain fear missing their rent or mortgage payments this month, according to Shelter.
Research from the housing and homelessness charity shows that almost 60% of people say they are struggling to meet their housing costs. One in nine fear they will be unable to meet January’s payments, as families struggle to balance their budgets after Christmas.
Shelter says “sky high housing costs” mean more people risk not being able to pay their mortgage or rent and the charity has warned that an interest rate rise will put many more people in trouble.
“Many people have spent a long time thinking they have nowhere to turn and are often close to breaking point by the time they come to us. If you’re in this situation, it’s so important to remember you’re not alone and that help is available,” said Shelter’s helpline adviser, Nadeem Khan.
Shelter says the number of visitors to its website seeking advice on eviction, repossession and rent and mortgage arrears has spiked in recent months.
Just last month the National Housing Federation claimed that “squeezed renters” are cutting back on food and heating to make ends meet. Renting families with children are particularly feeling the strain with just over two fifths (41%) saying they struggle to pay for their home.
David Orr, chief executive of the National Housing Federation, said: “It’s just unacceptable that families are left struggling to pay for homes in the private rented sector that they can’t even afford to heat properly.
“We have too many renters just keeping their heads above water, who are being kept awake at night and suffering from stress over the worry of paying the next rent bill.
Comments
I have a lady tenant whowas indignant whne I suggested that £70.00 per month for her Sky TV package was excessive & more than she could afford. `..whats my kid gonna watch?..` beyond education & common sense.
If you can't afford it, I suggest you don't rent/buy it.
High prices are due to high demand. It would seem therefore, that there are still plenty of people around who can afford to pay.
Those who can't need to downsize or move to cheaper areas. The problem here is that people seem to think that they have a god-given right to own a house or live in a particular area.
That is not the case.
High time they realised it.
more biased drivel from Shelter, what a lot of pratts they are, all people need to do is do basic budgeting, pay fot the roof over their head first then prioritize the bills and then with what is left buy whatever luxuries, or in this case pay for christmas, this is not rocket science. But no, they have a good time, buy unnecesary presents, ipads fags booze etc and then oh dear, no money for the most essential items.
If shelter really had the best interests of renters in its sights it would come up with some basic budgeting help, an app maybe, or courses to help people to learn to budget instead of just blaming landlords etc. but of course they will not do this as it does not attract headlines, and sttract money from the stuoid people who donate.
There should be no excuses for missing the rent in January as far as I'm concerned.
Christmas comes at the same time every year, so planning for it is what you should do if you wish to splash out a bit.
Otherwise, don't spend money you haven't got. The roof over your head should be a higher priority than having a splurge because everyone else does!!