Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Category:
Home Improvements
Despite the recent freezing temperatures, Shelter has revealed that one in four people have had to reduce their heating bills as a result of the high cost of housing.
In fact, it was found that 27 percent of those surveyed admitted that they are reducing the amount of money spent on fuel and bills in order to afford their rent or mortgage. This is equivalent to 11.3 million people across the country, with 1.4 million children living in such households.
Shelter’s research, which was conducted to investigate the effect that unaffordable housing is having on lifestyles, caused concern for vulnerable people who tend to struggle to stay warm during the winter period. It was reported that an additional 37,000 people died across England and Wales last winter, with a significant proportion of these being elderly people and children.
Director of policy and campaigns at Shelter, Kay Boycott, commented: "It's shocking to think that high housing costs are forcing people to make a choice between keeping warm and keeping a roof over their heads. In these extreme temperatures, those without proper heating could be risking their lives.
"While we often associate older people as being particularly affected by this issue, these figures show that almost one and a half million children could be freezing in their homes because their parents are struggling to pay unacceptably high housing costs.
"The housing crisis is spiralling out of control and we can no longer ignore the huge repercussions this is having on people's lives. Tackling the lack of affordable housing in Britain must be a priority for all political parties and a key election issue for us all."
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Homeowners who have not been able to keep their property warm due to issues such as draughty doors and windows could consider taking out a
secured loan to fund any rectification projects required. One of many finance options available, a secured loan for home improvements could allow borrowers to replace any old or poorly fitted doors and windows with modern counterparts to increase heat retention. Furthermore, a roof that is in a state of disrepair could also be replaced for the same reason, and to make the property watertight. Borrowers who would like to re-decorate their property as well as making it warm and cosy, could also take the opportunity to do this at the same time – thereby turning a cold house into the ideal home.
