Risk of reposession or eviction rises in Hackney

Over 500 households in Hackney at risk of losing homes

Rising numbers of households are at risk of losing their homes in Hackney, a housing charity has warned.

Shelter is highlighting figures published today, showing 545 households in Hackney are on the brink of losing their homes.

The statistics, published by the Ministry of Justice, show the number of local homeowners and tenants currently at risk of repossession or eviction has increased by nearly six per cent from the previous quarter.

Shelter’s research has revealed that rising numbers of people are finding it difficult to keep a roof over their head, with 3.7 million in the UK admitting they face a constant struggle to pay their rent or mortgage.

The charity has launched a campaign to Save the Housing Safety new, and wants Hackney residents to sign a petition urging MPs to stop changes going through Parliament that will reduce protection for those whose homes are under threat.

At a time when unemployment is rising, the cost of living is increasing and a rise in interest rates lies ahead, the charity is warning that government plans to cut mortgage and rent support for those who lose their jobs will take away a vital housing safety net currently keeping thousands of people in their homes.

It is also concerned by proposals which will mean councils no longer have a duty to provide secure and stable accommodation for those who slip through the net and end up as homeless.

Shelter’s chief executive Campbell Robb said: “It’s a sign of the tough times we’re in that every two minutes someone faces losing their home.

“With millions across the country hanging on by a thread, now is the very worst time to take away the housing safety net that helps those who’ve lost their jobs, suffered an illness or had a sudden change in circumstances to keep a roof over their head.”

To find out more about Shelter’s campaign visit www.shelter.org.uk/safetynet