Scotland's leading housing and homelessness charity has seen an almost 20 per cent increase in the number of calls to its free national helpline in July, compared to the same time last year.

According to Shelter Scotland, 1,925 people contacted the free housing advice line in July 2012, compared to 1,636 during the same period last year. Since July 2010 the number of calls has increased by 37 per cent.

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The charity also saw a 17 per cent increase in one month since June in the number of families and individuals it offered specialist advice to through the helpline. The figure for specialist cases represents an almost 20 per cent year-on-year increase from July 2011.

According to Shelter Scotland, 14,418 people contacted their free national helpline from January to July this year, compared to over 20,000 people for the whole of 2011.

(GK)