HSBC urges people to take up support as new figures reveal scale of housing crisis

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The number of households struggling with housing costs continues to rise alongside ballooning rents, new figures reveal, as bank HSBC urges people to seek support from a key homelessness charity. Over 67 per cent of people with housing costs such as rent and mortgages in England have reported experiencing unforeseen pressures over the last year, statistics from HSBC and housing charity Shelter show. open image in gallery Housing pressures are taking a toll on the nation’s mental health Deborah, 72, from Sheffield, told Shelter that she is unable to retire due to financial pressures. Shelter’s emergency helpline manager, Nadeem Khan said: “Up and down the country, the housing emergency is raging and as we enter a new year, millions of people are feeling the devastating impact of a lack of genuinely affordable social homes and record high private rents.