High rents and mortgages in England mean too many families
are skimping on heating and winter clothes to make ends meet, says housing
charity Shelter. More than a quarter of families polled said they skimped on
winter clothing and fuel to pay housing costs. And 10% told researchers they
feared being unable to pay rents or mortgages in January. Some 15% of the
parents interviewed also said they had to economise on Christmas food and
gifts.
A shortage of affordable homes has left families struggling
with sky-high housing costs, says the charity. Last year more than 100,000
people phoned its helpline for housing debt advice.
"We cut back on everything to pay the rent, including
food," said Michelle, a mother from Cambridge. "Even though my
husband works as many hours as he can, it's constantly hand to mouth."
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