Homelessness in Wales is at a five year high, according to new figures.
The latest statistics from the Welsh Government show that more households were accepted as homeless by their local authority than at any point since June 2006.
From July to September 2011, 1,845 households were accepted as homeless – an increase of 15% on the same period in 2010 and is 25% up from two years previously.
In Caerphilly County Borough, from July to September 2011, 70 households were accepted as homeless – an increase of 7.7% on the same period last year and an increase of 55% compared to two years ago.
John Puzey, director of Shelter Cymru, said: “It’s clear that many families in Wales are facing a very uncertain future this Christmas and the prospect for the New Year looks even bleaker.
“The continuing impact of the recession, rising living costs and further cuts to housing benefit due to come in over the next few months are likely to drive many more people into situations where they simply cannot manage.
“We already know from a survey we carried out earlier this year that people are finding it increasingly difficult to cope, with many cutting back on heating and food in order to meet their rent or mortgage payments.
“The cuts to public spending mean that local authorities are going to be under incredible pressure. We are now starting to see the use of B&B accommodation increasing, so undermining all the excellent work councils have done over recent years to reduce this.
“At the root of the problem is Wales’s long-standing shortage of affordable homes and we urgently need greater investment in this area. Far from being a luxury, investing in homes provides great value for money, boosting skills, employment, local economic development and strengthening communities.
“A good start would be a concerted drive to get some of Wales’s 23,000 privately-owned long term empty properties back into use. The Welsh Government has stated its commitment to this and many councils are already making strides in this direction, but today’s figures demonstrate more clearly than ever how great the need is to move quickly on this.
“As always, we urge people to get independent advice as soon as they find themselves in difficulties. The earlier we see people, the more we are able to do to help.”