HOUSING and homelessness charity Shelter has reported a 19 per cent increase in the number of callers from Yorkshire and the Humber using its helpline over the past two years.

More than 13,500 people turned to the charity for support in the year to April, with 2,000 of those callers classed as “on the brink of homelessness.”

The charity’s analysis of government statistics suggests that 46 households across the region are at risk of losing their homes every day, based on the number of mortgage and landlord possession claims issued in county courts.

Shelter helpline adviser Nadeem Khan said: “It’s heart-breaking to hear from families struggling to keep a roof over their heads, especially around this time of year.

“Sadly, every year we get more and more of these calls over the holidays.”