HUNDREDS of Barnet residents face eviction because of the Government's welfare reforms, according to a leading housing charity.

Shelter has launched a petition against the changes, as its research reveals that 530 households in the borough were at risk of repossession or eviction at the end of 2010 - a 29 per cent increase on the year before.

The Government plans to cap housing benefits and scrap rules that oblige councils to provide housing for the homeless.

Shelter Chief Executive Campbell Robb said: “With millions across the country hanging on by a thread, now is the very worst time to take away the housing safety net that helps those who’ve lost their jobs, suffered an illness or had a sudden change in circumstances to keep a roof over their head.

“I hope people in Barnet will sign our petitionto urge the Government to think again about the impact of these changes on those who may need temporary support.

“Otherwise, we could see a real increase in homelessness at the very time the Government is removing the security and stability homeless households need to get back on their feet.”

The Government says Barnet Council has received an extra £367,000 to its Discretionary Housing Fund to allow it to deal flexibly with vulnerable people.

Minister for welfare reform Lord Freud said: “The current way housing benefit is administered is unfair and the changes we are making strike the right balance that is both fair to the taxpayer and those on housing benefit.

“It's wrong for anyone to suggest that many people will become homeless because of our housing reforms – the Discretionary Housing Payments are there to provide a safety net for those who need it.

“Nationally, this year’s fund has already received an extra £10 million in funding, and we will triple Discretionary Housing Payments over the next three years to £60m”.

Ministers are keen that landlords from the private rental sector work with local authorities and tenants where appropriate to agree to reduce their rents in return for direct housing benefit payments.