1 in 217 Harrogate homes at risk of possession or eviction

1 in every 217  households in Harrogate are at risk of eviction or repossession, according to new statistics. The charity, Shelter, has identified the areas in the region where people face the highest likelihood of losing their home, as part of its emergency fundraising appeal to help homeless children this Christmas.

The research found that Kingston upon Hull has the highest risk of repossession or eviction in the region. Here as many as 1 in every 86 homes are at risk.

Figures are based on possession claims issued in county courts between 1 October 2012 and 30 September 2013 (Ministry of Justice), compared with the number of households in the area (Census 2011) – a possession claim is the first stage in a process which can end with the loss of a home. Other areas where there is a high risk of repossession or eviction include Barnsley where 1 in 96 homes are at risk and North East Lincolnshire (1 in 99 homes).

The Shelter helpline is already taking over 470 calls each day, offering vital support and advice to homeless families and those still fighting to stay in their homes. With housing costs soaring and welfare cuts continuing to take their toll, the charity is bracing itself for a record number of calls this Christmas from families on the brink of homelessness.

New data released earlier this month showed that more than 600 children in Yorkshire and Humber face waking up homeless on Christmas morning.

To make sure that Shelter can be there for everyone who needs them this Christmas, the charity has launched an emergency fundraising appeal to support its work helping homeless families.

Jo ran a successful company before the recession hit and work started to dry up. Jo, who has a three year old son, eventually had no choice but to declare herself bankrupt. Shortly afterwards her partner left and, after struggling to keep up with the mortgage payments on her own, the house was repossessed.

Jo said:

I went from running my own successful business to not having enough money to pay the mortgage.

I was so worried that my son and I would be left with nowhere to live, it was such a stressful time.

Jo called Shelter and, with support from their advisors, she was able to find a stable home for her and her son.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter said:

It is heart-breaking to see that so many people in Yorkshire and Humber face spending Christmas with the threat of losing their home hanging over them.

This is a frightening reminder that homelessness can happen to anyone.

Times are tough, and these days it doesn’t take much to tip a family into the spiral that leads to homelessness.

The government needs to rebuild our shredded housing safety net so that it’s there to catch those that fall on hard times, and allow them to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

We are urging anyone who can to donate to our Christmas appeal and make sure we can be there for every family facing homelessness, because no-one should be left to fight this battle on their own.

To support Shelter’s emergency Christmas appeal visit shelter.org.uk or text HOME to 87080 and donate £3 to answer a call for help.