Mortgage rate cuts but borrowing pressure persists

Landlords have also faced increased costs from higher mortgage rates, and possession claims against landlords have been rising.

Housing charity Shelter also said the Ministry of Justice numbers showed more tenants were facing no-fault evictions in England.

There were 7,863 no-fault eviction proceedings started in the first three months of the year, it said.

The Law Society, which represents solicitors, called on the government to extend legal aid, which helps people going to court with the cost of legal advice.

Its president, Nick Emmerson, said: “We are concerned about the number of people who are at risk of becoming homeless.

“With the cost-of-living crisis and high interest rates, many are struggling with rent and mortgage payments and are at risk of losing their homes. More often than not, legal aid is their only hope but it remains out of reach.”