NEW research by Shelter Scotland has uncovered that over one in four people (28 per cent – equivalent to 1,177,000 adults) say housing costs cause stress or depression in their family. (1)
Begins a spokesperson: “The YouGov survey showed that more people in Scotland say they have lost sleep from the stress of paying for their home than people in England and Wales.
“Twenty-eight per cent of people in Scotland (equivalent to 1,166,000 adults) say the stress of paying for housing has kept them awake at night, compared to 25 per cent in England and 26 per cent in Wales.
“Shelter Scotland’s research also shows that the struggle to pay the rent or mortgage is taking its toll on relationships, with just over one in four people (27 per cent equivalent to 1,133,000 adults) admitting that housing cost worries are causing arguments with their partner and other family members.
“This follows research earlier this month from the housing and homelessness charity which showed that 1.5 million rent or mortgage payers in Scotland are constantly struggling to keep up with their payments.”
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said:
“These findings reveal the heartbreaking reality of over a million families and individuals living on a knife edge, worrying about paying their rent or mortgage.
“Behind closed doors they face stress, sleepless nights and strained relationships as they desperately struggle to afford their housing bills.
“With little or no chance of things getting better any time soon our worry is that even more families will face the human tragedy of homelessness this year. We are here to help – a problem shared is a problem halved.
“Anyone who is experiencing housing difficulties should seek advice sooner rather than later by calling our free national helpline on 0808 800 4444 or by visiting www.shelterscotland.org.”
Graeme Brown added:
“To restore its housing safety net Scotland needs to build more affordable homes and reverse the welfare cuts to ensure that thousands of families and individuals, who fall on hard times, are not left out in the cold. It’s time to end Scotland’s housing crisis for good.”
Ends/
Notes to Editors:
- 28 per cent of people agreed with the statement ‘Housing costs cause stress or depression in my family’, equivalent to 1,177,000 adults.’
- All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was for the 2012 survey was 4060 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 30th November – 3rd December 2012. The surveys were carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).
- The estimates of numbers of people affected have been calculated by Shelter Scotland. These estimates are based on 2010 population estimates from the Office of National Statistics which indicate that there are 47.8 million adults in Great Britain. http://www.ons.gov.uk/ons/publications/re-reference-tables.html?edition=tcm%3A77-231847 Estimates have been rounded.
- Shelter Scotland provides expert support services, online advice and a free national helpline for everyone facing housing and homelessness difficulties. For advice and support visit www.shelterscotland.org or call 0808 800 4444.
- Spokespeople are available for interview – call the media office on 0844 515 2442. An ISDN line is available for broadcast interviews.
- Follow Shelter Scotland on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/shelterscotland Twitter – http://twitter.com/shelterscotland
Shelter Scotland believes everyone should have a home. We help people find and keep a home. We campaign for decent housing for all.
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Contact: Shelter Scotland
Phone: 0844 515 2442
Email: mediascotland@shelter.org.uk
Website: http://www.shelterscotland.org
