Homeowners are struggling with mortgage payments, warns Shelter

The number of Britons struggling to pay their mortgage has nearly doubled during the past year, according to a housing charity.

Around 18 per cent of homeowners now face a constant struggle to keep up with their home loan repayments, Shelter said.

This figure is up from ten per cent last year.

Interest rates rise, unemployment increases and inflation is likely to see the situation get worse.

"Clearly this shows what a difficult year it has been for many homeowners, with thousands of people literally hanging on to their homes by the skin of their teeth," commented Campbell Robb, chief executive of Shelter.

"With potential interest rate rises, higher unemployment and steep increases in food and fuel bills on the horizon, it seems unlikely things are about to get easier for homeowners any time soon."