Number of people seeking mortgage help soars 50%: report

More and more Brits are seeking advice after falling behind with their mortgage payments, according to new figures.

There has been a 51 per cent jump in people contacting charity Citizens Advice because they have been unable to keep up with payments on their mortgage or secured loan, the Press Association has declared.

Citing figures from the charity, the news provider claimed there has also been a ten per cent increase in the number of Brits seeking advice because they cannot afford fuel bills.

David Harker, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said that it is "vital" that mortgage lenders and fuel companies do "everything in their power" in order to help homeowners in arrears and come to "a workable solution over repayment arrangements".

The Energy Savings Trust recently reported that 66 per cent of homeowners would like estate agents to give more guidance on a home's expected running costs.

Such guidance is not necessary for those seeking to self build their own homes as they can design an energy-efficient home from the offset.