1.4 million falling behind with rent and mortgage

2.8 million people have used an unauthorised overdraft to help with payments

1.4 million people in Britain are falling behind with their rent/mortgage payments, according to a new YouGov survey for Shelter.

The research also reveals that over the past year almost a million people used a payday loan to help pay their rent or mortgage and 2.8 million people used an unauthorised overdraft to help pay their rent or mortgage, and of those 10% did so every month.

Shelter is also warning of the dangers of turning to short-term, high interest credit as a way to help meet housing costs.

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s Chief Executive, said: "It’s shocking to think that so many families will be starting the New Year with a huge weight hanging over them, trapped in a daily struggle to keep their home. Payday loans may seem like a quick fix, but the huge interest charges mean things can quickly spiral out of control. It’s vital that anyone who’s having difficulty paying their rent or mortgage gets advice now."