November 03, 2010
Tenants in private rented and social housing sectors could face severe financial difficulties in the wake of Government austerity measures, new research has suggested.
49% of people living in private rented housing and 66% in social housing feel that if their income fell, they would struggle to hold a roof over their heads, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Fabian Society.
While the Government is cutting housing benefit and mortgage support, more than half the population want to see greater support from the Government for renters and mortgage payers who get into difficulties with housing costs.
The figures show that the Government's housing benefit cuts will not easily be absorbed by renters.
“It is no wonder the housing benefit cuts are causing such difficulties for the Government, even within their own parties,” said TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.
The survey revealed that 39% of private renters and 31% of social renters reported that the stress of maintaining their rent payments has affected their performance at work.
“This poll shows that most tenants cannot absorb cuts. One in three renters already say that the stress of keeping up their rent payments has hit their performance at work,” added Mr Barber.
If you’re struggling to meet rental payments and believe things will only become more difficult, seek advice before debt begins to mount and becomes a major issue.
