New figures released by the government today show an alarming rise in the number of families and individuals in England facing homelessness after receiving an eviction notice between October and December 2021, with 5,260 people receiving a Section 21 notice, an increase of 168% from the same quarter last year.

The data covers the last few months of 2021. However, with the cost of living crisis now impacting struggling families across the country, national homelessness charity Crisis is warning today’s figures may mark just the start of growing numbers of people forced into the horrific situation of becoming homeless.

Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, said: “It’s distressing to see that thousands began the new year facing eviction. Now with living costs spiralling and rents rising across much of the country, we know that many more will be in freefall as the financial burden of trying to keep a roof over their head becomes too much.

“Every day through our services we’re hearing from people forced to go without a decent meal so they can cover their electricity bill, while others are considering more costly pre-payment meters just so they can have a little more control over what spare change they pay out and when.

“To stem a rising tide in homelessness, we need the Government to urgently invest in housing benefit, so it covers the true cost of people’s rents. We also need to see a plan put in place laying out how the Government is going to deliver the genuinely affordable homes we need so that people can cope with any sudden change in financial pressure, and we can finally end homelessness for good."