More than 4,100 households every week are at risk of losing their home

More than 215,000 households in England are at risk of eviction or repossession. This is the equivalent of 4,140 homes every week, new research reveals today.(15 August)

The housing and homelessness charity Shelter based the research on Ministry of Justice figures from April 2013 to March 2014 which shows how many homeowners and private or social tenants received a possession notice. It reveals that 215,305 possession orders were issued during this period.

The research also identified areas around the country where the risk is particularly high. London boroughs dominate the list of councils issuing possession notices. The top 14 areas for possession notices are in London, with Newham, Barking and Dagenham the worst affected. Nottingham is the top hotspot outside the capital with one in every 54 homes at risk, followed by Peterborough with one in 60 homes and Salford with one in 60.

The findings come as housing costs are pushing more and more families to the brink. With finances stretched to breaking point, just one thing, like a sudden illness or job loss, can leave a family facing homelessness, says Shelter.

Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: "These staggering figures show just how many families go through the trauma of learning that their home is at risk, every single week.

"People are hearing that the economy is recovering, but we’re seeing the reality that many families across the country are still battling to keep their heads above water and keep their homes. Just one thing such as a job loss or serious illness can tip any of us in to a downward spiral that puts our home at risk."

Ekklesia