LUTON has been identified as one of the UK’s repossession hotspots, according to a homeless charity Shelter.
The town was the 12th worst spot for repossessions in the country out of 324 local authority areas with 325 possession orders enforced in 2010-2011.
That’s a rate of 5.07 per 1,000 private households.
Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter said: “This research paints a frightening picture of repossession hotspots in the East of England where homeowners are literally on the brink of losing the roof over their head.
“We know only too well that the combined pressures of high inflation, increased living costs and stagnant wages are really taking a toll on people. All it takes is one thing like job loss to tip people over the edge and into the spiral of debt, repossession and ultimately homelessness.
“And with interest rates due to increase in the near future this research is a clear warning sign of difficult times ahead for many thousands of homeowners across the country.
Shelter conducted the research by analysing the latest Ministry of Justice data on the rates of claims leading to possession orders per 1,000 households across every local authority.
Five local authorities in the east of England, including Luton, have been identified as repossession hotspots because they are in the top fifth nationally.
The regions worst area for repossessions was Thurrock.
Central Bedfordshire fared a little better than Luton in the rankings with an average of 2.56 possession orders per 1,000 private households, 235 across the county in 2010-2011 in all.
Anyone struggling to keep up with mortgage payments should call Shelter’s free helpline on 0808 800 4444 or visit shelter.org.uk and get help today.