South East: Risk Of Homelessness

14 December 2012, 07:43 | Updated: 14 December 2012, 08:11

New figures released by housing and homelessness charity Shelter show the areas across the South East where households are most at risk of becoming homeless.

The research reveals that in the 12 months to September 2012, 24,440 households have been threatened with losing their home, leaving 1 in every 151 households at risk of becoming homeless.

In Slough, the risk is nearly double the national average and in Basingstoke 1 in 115 housholds are at risk.

 Campbell Robb, chief Executive of Shelter said:

"It's truly shocking how many people in the South East are living with the threat of becoming homeless. In some areas, the risk of being evicted or repossessed is so high that one home in every street could be affected.

"This report is a stark reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone - all it takes is one event such as a redundancy or relationship break up, and whole families are at risk of losing their home.

"This year more than 75,000 children will be homeless and living in temporary accommodation on Christmas Day. Shelter's helpline and face to face advice services help prevent families from becoming homeless, and this Christmas we're asking for everyone's support so that we can carry on keeping families in their homes, and help them into a home should the worst happen."

For more information go to: shelter.org.uk