Welsh households feeling the strain of the recession

Nearly 50 per cent of adults in Wales who have a mortgage or rent struggle with their payments at least some of the time, while 23 per cent say that housing costs are a source of anxiety, according to new figures published today [Thursday 1 July].
The survey, carried out for Shelter Cymru by YouGov, asked more than 1100 Welsh adults about their housing situations. The findings reveal that:
• 49 per cent of adults in Wales who have a mortgage or rent struggle to keep up or fall behind with their payments at least some of the time.
• Housing costs are a source of anxiety for 23% of households.
• More than half (51%) are concerned that their children will not be able to afford a decent home. This rises to 62% of 35-44 year-olds and 72% of 45-54 year-olds.
• In the last two years, nearly a quarter (23%) of those responsible for rent or mortgage payments have had to reduce the amount they spend on food to meet rent/mortgage costs. This rises to 32% among 18-24 year-olds and 27% among 25-34 year-olds.
• 18 per cent of those responsible for mortgage or rent payments have increased the use of credit cards to meet day-to-day expenses in the last two years. This rises to 27% among 35-44 year-olds.
• One in ten are concerned about their ability to pay their rent/mortgage and feel insecure in their housing.
• 14 per cent of those responsible for a mortgage or rent have had to reduce the amount they spend on heating to meet rent/mortgage costs in the last two years.
John Puzey, director of Shelter Cymru, said: “The survey findings clearly indicate that people in Wales are still feeling the effects of the recession. Housing costs are a source of anxiety for many, while others have had to increase their use of credit cards to meet everyday expenses, which is likely to lead to greater debt problems further down the line.
“It is also telling that so many people are worried that their children will not be able to afford a decent home. The simple fact is that there are not enough affordable homes available to buy or rent in Wales.
“The property bubble that fuelled much of the current economic crisis put a decent home beyond the reach of many and the severe cuts announced in the recent Budget are a further threat to the provision of affordable homes.
“However, despite the squeeze on public spending, affordable housing should not be allowed to slide down the political agenda. It is not just a matter of bricks and mortar – investment in homes is also an investment in health and well-being, education, training, skills and sustainable communities.”
The significant minority of households who report that they have had to reduce the amount they spend on food or heating to meet housing costs was also a source of great concern, said Mr Puzey.
“As benefit cuts start to take effect, many households will see a drop in their income, and more vulnerable people will have to make difficult choices about whether they should pay for food or heating or risk falling into arrears with their rent or mortgage.
“Shelter Cymru believes that this is unacceptable. A decent, secure home should be a fundamental right for everyone in Wales and the provision of affordable housing needs to be recognised as an essential factor in the health, well-being and prosperity of our people and communities.”
Notes
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 1121 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th - 31st May 2010. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all Welsh adults (aged 18+).