Households in Northern Ireland are facing homelessness as the cost of living crisis continues, according to local housing charity, Housing Rights.
The charity says soaring food and fuel costs, multiple increases in mortgage interest rates, and increases in rents have left many unable to pay their household bills.
Housing Rights Advice Services Manager, Aisling Cunningham told us:
“People have been hit with continuous rises in monthly mortgage payments and increased rents on top of increases in food and fuel prices, and are either nearing crisis point or are already there. Wages are not always keeping up with inflation and we are hearing from people daily who are struggling or simply can’t afford to pay for their homes.
“Not only are we hearing from those who were already in a vulnerable position, but people whose homes were once affordable to them are now in need of our help and are desperately worried about keeping a roof over their heads.
“We are seeing a spike in requests for help from both homeowners and renters due in court for repossession hearings and sadly we expect this trend to continue. This is also reflected in recent High Court statistics (1). We continue to help people with repossession court hearings and this service is currently experiencing its highest number of debt referrals in recent years.
The charity is urging people to contact Housing Rights for advice and support and have highlighted a number of ways they can help people who are struggling with household debt including helping:
- negotiate with your mortgage lender or landlord;
- apply for Discretionary Housing Payments;
- set up a repayment plan; and
- avoid repossession by speaking on your behalf in Court.
Mrs Cunningham continued:
“We’re urging anyone who is struggling to get help. Our services are completely free and confidential. The earlier you act the more we may be able to do for you, but it is never too late to contact us and try to save your home. Our expert advisers are ready and waiting to help you.”
Anyone who is worried about keeping their home or meeting housing costs can contact Housing Rights on 02890 245640, or can get information and chat online with one of our expert advisers at www.housingrights.org.uk
ENDS
For enquiries contact [email protected] or call 02890 245640.
Kate McCauley — Chief Executive