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'Direct' govt action on repossessions favoured

13/11/2008

Eighty per cent of British people want the government to take a more active role in helping those at risk of having their homes repossessed, according to an Ipsos Mori study for St Mungo's.

"At the moment we are witnessing a downturn in the economy that is being felt at all levels of society. The government needs to act quickly if we are to avoid a sharp increase of rough sleepers on the streets," said St Mungo's chief executive Charles Fraser.

Fifty-two per cent of Brits are concerned with their current financial situation. The survey showed people have cut down their spending on gas, electricity, heating, and household food.

For the British community as a whole, Christmas gifts will be a scare for the holidays since 30 per cent of people have cut spending on non-essential and luxury items.

The survey also found the number of rough sleepers might increase this Christmas.

St Mungo's, London's largest charity for homeless people, has asked the government to reduce homelessness by providing access to shelter, support for people to move to shelter, health services, training opportunities, and help to develop attributes of confidence and aspirations. Lastly, they want people with mental illnesses off of the street.

Ninty-three per cent of St Mungo's own residents became homeless partly due to financial pressures, the survey shows.

"The most vulnerable people in society will suffer the most from the financial crisis and we must provide support for those who need it. We need a guarantee from the government that those who are hanging on by their fingertips won’t be shaken off," said Mr Fraser.