​Shelter says households face worrying January as they struggle to pay mortgage and rent dues

Millions are facing a worrying time in the new year as new research reveals one in nine rent or mortgage payers across Britain – the equivalent of 3.2 million people – are worried they will be unable to make their payments in the year ahead.

Research for Shelter and Shelter Scotland by YouGov paints a bleak picture for many households this winter, with 59% of rent or mortgage payers in Britain revealing they are already struggling to keep up with their housing costs.

The housing and homelessness charity is warning that ignoring money worries rather than seeking advice could lead to people’s homes being put at risk. Worryingly, more than a quarter (26%) of people surveyed said they would feel too ashamed to ask for help if struggling with housing payments.

Separate research carried out in Scotland in December 2014 found that one in four people responsible for paying rent or mortgage were worried they may not be able to do so at some time during 2015.

Shelter Scotland says it helped hundreds of families and individuals over the festive period who were struggling to meet their housing costs and who were at risk of losing their homes.

Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “Every day we hear from people who are feeling overwhelmed by mounting rent or mortgage bills, as the increasing pressure of sky-high housing costs continues to take its toll.

“We understand it is all too easy to bury your head in the sand hoping the problem will go away.

"But if you’re in this situation, it’s so important to remember you’re not alone and that help is at hand. Advice from Shelter Scotland is only a click or a phone call away – so get advice early to prevent things from spiralling out of control.”