Shelter names new interim chief executive

Shelter has announced its new interim chief executive after former chief executive Sarah Elliot stood down in October, having spent just a year in the role.

Mark Hodgkinson, the former head of disability equality charity Scope, has been appointed as its interim chief executive while recruitment for a permanent chief executive is underway.

The news comes as Shelter claims renters have just £7 a day to spend on food after paying rent and basic bills.

Record levels of homelessness

Mark Hodgkinson, interim chief executive of Shelter, said: “I’m delighted to be joining Shelter as interim Chief Executive. With record levels of homelessness and thousands of families facing winter in temporary accommodation, the fight for a safe home has never been more urgent.

“But there is also real reason for hope. Thanks to Shelter’s extraordinary campaigning, services and advice, the determination to end the housing emergency across the political and social landscape has never been stronger.”

Helen MacNamara, chair of the board of trustees, said: “On behalf of the Board, I’m delighted to welcome Mark Hodgkinson to Shelter as our interim Chief Executive. As the former Chief Executive of Scope, Mark understands first-hand what it takes to lead an organisation committed to tackling deep-rooted inequalities and creating lasting change.

“He brings significant leadership experience alongside a deep understanding of housing and a strong commitment to ensuring people facing injustice are heard and supported. He joins a strong and dedicated team at Shelter, and those qualities will be invaluable as we continue to fight for a future where everyone has a safe, secure and affordable home.”

Tackle rising rents

As previously reported by Property118, Shelter’s findings show that the number of households with less than £50 a week remaining after paying rent and essential bills has increased by nearly a third (31%).

The data also reveals that nearly a quarter (23%) of working private renters have no savings and would be immediately unable to pay their rent if they lost their job.

The charity says the government must build more social homes to tackle rising rents and provide people with a long-term alternative to costly private renting.