Thousands Are 'Blighted By Risk Of Eviction'

Nearly one out of every 100 households in the UK faces the threat of eviction by a landlord or mortgage lender.The figure forms part of new research by the homeless charity Shelter which found the 12 local authorities with the highest risk rates are all in London boroughs. Barking and Dagenham top the list, followed by Newham and Haringey.Outside London, Manchester, Slough and Peterborough have the highest eviction risk rates.Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter, said: "As Christmas approaches, this research paints a frightening picture of thousands of families living every day with the fear of losing their home hanging over their heads."It's sobering to see that so many communities are blighted by the risk of eviction. "In these unforgiving conditions, it only takes one thing - illness, job loss or relationship breakdown - to lead to things spiralling out of control and into homelessness."This Christmas, we're asking people to help us stop lives from being torn apart by homelessness." Shelter said the research showed areas with high unemployment were the worst affected.The YouGov survey of 2,118 Britons analysed rates of possession claims issued by private and social landlords and mortgage lenders.