Campaigning charity Shelter claims renters’ pockets are being hit the hardest of any demographic group in Britain in terms of the cost of living crisis. 

The Office for National Statistics says some 83 per cent of adults reported a rise in their cost of living last month – March – compared with 62 per cent in November 2021.

And the same ONS study found that in early 2022, 29 per cent of adults have reported that their household could not afford an unexpected, but necessary, expense of £850.

Additionally 53 per cent of adults who rent their home reported that they could not afford an unexpected expense compared with 13 per cent of adults who own their property outright.

In response Shelter chief executive Polly Neate says: [The] ONS figures show that the cost-of-living crisis is piling on pressure across the country, and it’s renters’ pockets that are being hit the hardest. 

“Our frontline services are already hearing from people who having to choose between putting food on the table, keeping the lights on, and paying their rent. 

“With bills skyrocketing and rents higher than ever, far too many will struggle to keep a roof over the head as this crisis deepens in the coming months. 

“If we’re going to prevent rising homelessness this year, the government must help renters weather the storm by making housing benefit fit for purpose. Long term, to insulate more people against cost-of-living shocks, we need investment in social homes with affordable rents pegged to local incomes.”