Over 3,000 Black Country and Staffordshire renters at risk of losing home in last year
More than 3,300 households in the Black Country and Staffordshire were put at risk of losing their rented home during the past year, new figures reveal.
New analysis of statistics from the Ministry of Justice, by Shelter, also showed that 1 in every 62 people in the West Midlands faced eviction after falling behind on their rent.
The figures show that 992 families were at risk in Sandwell compared with 893 in Wolverhampton, 731 in Sandwell, 568 in Walsall, 158 in Cannock,144 in Stafford and 91 in South Staffordshire.
Shelter says people have been struggling as a result of the chronic shortage of affordable homes combined with crippling welfare cuts.
The MoJ figures record possession claims, which are the first stage in a court process which can ultimately end with the loss of a home.
Daniel Blake, operations manager for Shelter in the south, said: "Every day at Shelter we hear from people who are struggling to keep up with their rent, many in total desperation after the court papers land on their doormat and the threat of being evicted becomes very real."
Shelter has seen a rise in the number of people facing eviction who are coming to Shelter for advice. In the past year alone, more than 9,800 people at risk of losing their home called the Shelter helpline for advice and over 500,000 people visited the Shelter website's eviction advice pages.
Nationally around 350,000 renters in England have been put at risk of eviction in the last year. Shelter said if someone is struggling to pay their housing costs, they should get help as soon as possible. Paying rent to keep a roof over your head should always be the number one priority over debts such as credit cards and phone bills, it said.
It said those struggling should respond to letters and phone calls from their landlord or letting agent and keep records of them.
If the situation ends up in court, renters should make sure they attend a possession hearing so they can put their case to the judge, Shelter said.
Mr Blake said: "It's natural to feel overwhelmed, but remember you're not alone – Shelter is here 365 days a year. So if you're struggling to keep up, or facing eviction and not sure what to do next, get expert advice as soon as possible. It can be the difference between losing your home and keeping it."
People can contact the charity via shelter.org.uk/advice, call 0808 800 4444 or by visiting its Birmingham advice centre.
