The Housing Minister has today called on any households faced with the threat of homelessness this Christmas to seek help and advice as soon as they can.

Mr Grant Shapps said that this country has one of the strongest safety nets in the world for families with children and vulnerable people as local councils are required to keep a roof over their heads, and highlighted the wide range of support available to those struggling to stay in their homes.

New figures showed that 12,510 people were accepted as owed a main homelessness duty in the third quarter of the year - a rise of 6 per cent since the same period in 2010.


The Government is committed to tackling homelessness and protecting the most vulnerable. The £6.5 billion Supporting People budget has been protected to ensure support is there for those who need it most, and more than £400 million has been invested in homelessness prevention over the next four years. More than £42 million has also been invested to improve rough sleeper accommodation, and £20 million to help ensure that no-one spends a second night out on the street across the country.

MMr Shapps said: "It's easy to feel alone in the face of financial difficulty but there is help available. Every council has a legal duty to ensure that eligible homeless households are not 'roofless', and can provide reams of free advice and information to prevent homelessness in the first place.

"That's why I would urge anyone facing the threat of being homeless this Christmas to seek help. My message is clear - the quicker you act, the quicker we can help."

(CD)