THOUSANDS of cash-strapped families in Dorset have used their credit cards in a desperate bid to keep a roof over their heads.

A YouGov poll for charity Shelter has revealed how people struggling with their housing costs in the South West are being forced to take drastic action to pay their mortgage and rent bills.

Statistics show that more than 170,000 residents across the region have borrowed money on plastic to pay their housing bills with more than two million using their cards in the same way across the country – an increase of almost 50 per cent.

The charity, which has an advice centre in Bournemouth, is warning that many people who have relied on credit cards to pay their housing bills could be starting the New Year with the threat of homelessness hanging over them.

Shelter chief executive Campbell Robb said: “This research brings into sharp focus how keeping a roof over their head has become a daily struggle for thousands across the South West.

“This is a totally unsustainable situation and one which we fear could see many more families pushed into the spiral of debt, eviction or repossession, and ultimately homelessness.

“Using credit cards to pay the rent or mortgage is simply robbing Peter to pay Paul. With the average credit card interest rate now standing at over 16 per cent it is the worst possible course of action.”

He added: “Already someone is facing the nightmare of losing their home every two minutes and we would urge every single one of these people now relying on credit to keep their home to seek advice urgently.”

Shelter Dorset at Aegon House, 30, Poole Hill, provides free debt advice as well as help with housing issues and can be contacted on 0344 515 1400.

Meanwhile figures have shown that record low bank interest rates have led to more Britons going back to stashing their money under their mattress or in another “safe” places around the home.