The number of households declared homeless so far this year is up by 13 per cent from the same period last year, according to Government figures.

35,680 households have been accepted as homeless by local authorities since the start of 2011.

Commenting on the figures, Shelter's Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: "It is heartbreaking to think that so many families will be facing Christmas without a home to call their own. But the greatest tragedy is that year-to-date figures are 13 per cent higher than they were at this time last year.

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"With someone facing losing their home every two minutes, the reality is this is a fate that could happen to any one of us. All it takes is one small thing, such as an illness or financial trouble, and things can soon spiral out of control."

Research from Shelter shows that across the country 630 people a day will receive a letter threatening the loss of their home between now and Christmas, which could see them in court and fighting to keep their home.

(CD)