3 in 10 Brits are at risk of becoming homeless in 2023

The study uncovers the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis, with over a third of those surveyed (35 percent) saying they are at risk of being unable to cover basic housing costs, meaning they could be forced out of their current home.

Almost a quarter (24 percent) confess they would be genuinely worried about being out on the streets if they lost their home, with 20 percent concerned about potentially having to find temporary housing.

Almost half (49 percent) say their housing costs have increased by as much as 22 percent in the past six months, with a third (32 percent) worrying they will continue to increase.

32 percent say they’re concerned their wages won’t be able to cover their rent or mortgage, while 29 percent are being forced to choose between heating their home or paying their rent.

Worryingly, over a third (35 percent) are having to cut back on food and heating to cover their housing costs.

Half scaled back Christmas (51 percent) while 46 percent are having to spend less on shopping and 39 percent are relying on buying second-hand items to save some cash.

Over a third (32 percent) will look for a second job in 2023 , in order to meet their living costs, according to the report by Beam.

Homeowners based in London (46 percent) are the most worried about paying their rent or mortgage, followed by those in Oxford (42 percent), Glasgow (40 percent), Birmingham (39 percent) and Manchester (38 percent).

Collectively the nation is worried about the impact the financial crisis will have on others - over half (56 percent) believe that the cost-of-living crisis and recession will make many more people homeless in the UK, with 44 percent believing that the country is clearly in the midst of a housing crisis.

Alex Stephany, Founder and CEO of Beam, who commissioned the research said: “Homelessness is one of the toughest social problems of our time, so it’s worrying that as many as a third fear becoming homeless in 2023.

“It’s clear we need to move away from sticking plaster solutions and redesign the welfare state for the 21st century if we want to solve these challenges at scale and affordably.

“One way we’ve been doing this at Beam is by bringing together government, companies, landlords and civic society to support over 1,200 homeless people into stable jobs and housing for the long-term. We’re also building technology that supports underserved groups, so they’re equipped with the skills, tools and confidence to overcome the barriers in their life.”