How rising costs are pushing more people into homelessness in Peterborough and beyond
The cost of living crisis is creating a perfect storm for homelessness across the UK, and Peterborough is no exception. Rising rents, energy costs, food prices, and stagnant wages are pushing more people than ever to the brink of losing their homes.
What was once manageable for many households has become impossible. People who were previously stable are now facing housing insecurity, while those already vulnerable are being pushed into homelessness at alarming rates.
of households have less than £1,000 in savings
No financial buffer for emergencies
rise in private rents since 2020
Outpacing wage growth significantly
people are struggling to afford basic essentials
Choosing between heating and eating
increase in homelessness applications
Since the cost of living crisis began
Private rents in Peterborough have increased by over 30% since 2020. Social housing waiting lists continue to grow. Many renters are spending 50%+ of their income on housing, leaving little for other essentials.
Energy costs have doubled for many households. People are choosing between heating their homes and buying food. Cold homes lead to health problems and make it harder to maintain employment.
Food prices have risen by over 15%. Many families are using food banks for the first time. Malnutrition and food insecurity are becoming widespread even among working households.
Fuel prices have made commuting expensive. People are losing jobs because they can't afford to get to work. Public transport costs have also increased significantly.
People in minimum wage or insecure jobs
Zero-hour contracts, gig economy workers, part-time staff with rising living costs but stagnant wages
Single parents and large families
Childcare costs, school expenses, and larger housing needs create financial pressure
Pensioners and those nearing retirement
Fixed incomes don't keep up with inflation, high heating costs, and medical expenses
Students and early-career workers
Low starting salaries, student debt, and difficulty finding affordable housing
Those with disabilities or chronic illnesses
Higher living costs, limited work ability, and inadequate benefit support
Those unable to access social housing
Facing rent increases, insecure tenancies, and competition for affordable properties
Rising costs consume more income, leaving no room for savings or emergencies. Small unexpected expenses become crises.
People turn to credit cards, payday loans, and borrowing to cover basic costs. Debt spirals become unmanageable.
Rent arrears build up, eviction notices arrive, or people can't afford renewals. The housing market becomes inaccessible.
Eviction, relationship breakdown, or inability to maintain housing leads to homelessness. Often with nowhere else to turn.
Parents are skipping meals to feed children. Child poverty is rising. Family breakdown increases due to financial stress. Children's education and development suffer from housing instability.
Can't afford to leave family home, or being forced out due to family financial strain. Education disrupted by need to work. Mental health issues rising from financial insecurity.
Choosing between heating and eating. Increased health problems from cold homes. Retirement savings inadequate. Many are entering homelessness for the first time in later life.
The "working homeless" phenomenon is growing. People with jobs still can't afford housing. Multiple jobs needed to cover basic costs. Burnout and health issues from overwork.
Using credit for basic expenses, missing rent payments, borrowing from friends/family, selling possessions, or having no savings buffer.
Rent arrears, eviction notices, sofa surfing, overcrowding, or living in unsuitable conditions due to cost constraints.
Increased stress, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, or relationship strain due to financial pressures.
Everyone deserves a safe, affordable place to call home