New figures released by the
government today show an alarming rise in the number of families
and individuals in England facing homelessness after receiving an
eviction notice between October and December 2021, with 5,260
people receiving a Section 21 notice, an increase of 168% from
the same quarter last year.
The data covers the last few months of 2021. However, with the
cost of living crisis now impacting struggling families across
the country, national charity Crisis is warning today’s figures
may mark just the start of growing numbers of people forced into
the horrific situation of becoming homeless.
Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “It’s
distressing to see that thousands began the new year facing
eviction. Now with living costs spiralling and rents rising
across much of the country, we know that many more will be in
freefall as the financial burden of trying to keep a roof over
their head becomes too much.
“Every day through our services we’re hearing from people forced
to go without a decent meal so they can cover their electricity
bill, while others are considering more costly pre-payment meters
just so they can have a little more control over what spare
change they pay out and when.
“To stem a rising tide in homelessness, we need the Government to
urgently invest in housing benefit, so it covers the true cost of
people’s rents. We also need to see a plan put in place laying
out how the Government is going to deliver the genuinely
affordable homes we need so that people can cope with any sudden
change in financial pressure, and we can finally end homelessness
for good."
