MORE than 12,000 people have been placed at risk of eviction in the North-East in the last year, according to homelessness charity Shelter.

It analysed Ministry of Justice figures and found the greatest risk of eviction was in North Tyneside (one in 46 households), followed by Middlesbrough (one in 68).

Shelter said welfare cuts along with a lack of affordable homes were to blame.

The figure for Yorkshire and the Humber was 21,000.

The charity said renters should get expert advice as soon as possible if they were struggling and have a “rainy day” plan, should they lose their job or fall ill.

It revealed that in the past year more than 9,800 people facing eviction called its telephone helpline for advice.

Nadeem Khan, helpline adviser for Shelter, said: “It’s natural to feel overwhelmed if you find yourself in this position, but people should remember they are not alone.”

Shelter’s free helpline is on 0808 800 4444.