Rutherglen residents are among the hundreds of thousands of Scottish adults who are struggling to pay rent or mortgage costs, a new survey by YouGov for Shelter Scotland has found.
The research conducted last month found that 11 per cent of mortgage holders/renters in the country – equivalent to nearly 180,000 households – were already struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and couldn’t afford any increase.
It went on to reveal that 14 per cent of those people would struggle to afford a modest rise of up to £25 per month.
The findings also discovered that 28 per cent of respondents were worried or very worried about paying their rent or mortgage during 2020.
Analysis by Shelter Scotland shows that one household was made homeless every 17-and-a-half minutes in Scotland last year, with nearly 11,000 households forced to live in temporary accommodation, including more than 14,000 children.
The charity is warning that ignoring money worries rather than seeking advice could lead to people’s homes being put at risk.
Last year, the organisation helped tens of thousands of people via its free national helpline, digital chat and online advice – with many of them needing advice on how to keep their home.
The charity says its advisers are on-hand to help anyone worried about paying their housing costs, at risk of homelessness or struggling with bad housing.
Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “These figures reveal the stark reality faced by hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland who enter 2020 already struggling to pay their rent or mortgage and many thousands more saying they would struggle with even a modest rise on those costs.
“Austerity, welfare cuts, stagnant wages, job insecurity and the high cost of housing are making it harder for people to make ends meet and plan for the future.
“It is a national disgrace that, in 21st century Scotland, so many people should still have to struggle and worry about the basic right of keeping a roof over their heads.
“Help is available; don’t bury your head in the sand.
“You can speak to one of our many advisers who can help you put a plan in place.”
Householders and homeowners who have concerns about their rent or mortgage costs are invited to contact Sorth Lanarkshire Council, Money Matters on 0303 123 1008 or Citizens Advice for support.
