Shelter says the Chancellor has missed his shot to prevent a rapid rise in homelessness

Polly Neate, Chief Executive of Shelter, said: “The real growth this government should be ready for is a growth in homelessness. The Chancellor has done nothing to help the 2.5 million private renters who are already behind or constantly struggling to pay their rent. Cutting stamp duty won’t protect those at risk of losing their homes, but it will push up house prices. 

“Every day our helpline advisers answer calls from families on the brink of losing their home as they can no longer keep up with runaway rents or afford to eat. This mini budget is not going to ease the terror families feel, with the Chancellor leaving housing benefit frozen at 2020 levels. 

“The government has missed its shot today to prevent a rapid rise in homelessness. To keep people at the sharpest end of this crisis in their homes, housing benefit must be unfrozen now. Allowing homelessness to rise will cost the economy more and ruin countless lives.”  

New Shelter statistics show the growing burden of housing costs on struggling private renters in England: 

• 1 in 7 renters (1.1million in total) were hit with a rent increase in the last month  

• One in three renters (2.6 million people) are now spending at least half their household income on rent 

• 2.5 million renters say they are now behind or constantly struggling to pay their rent, up 45% since April 

ENDS