New figures reveal how private renters and homeowners in Northumberland were affected by inflation and increased interest rates last year.

Analysis by the Office for National Statistics show an estimated 8% of private renters in Northumberland were affected by rising rental costs.

Of those affected, the average monthly rent increased from £535 before 2023, to £591 last year.

The ONS analysis also shows 13% of homeowners in Northumberland were remortgaging in 2023.

The ONS assigned each area an "exposure score" relative to other local authorities based on the proportion of households affected by rising costs and how much the increased cost took from household disposable income.

Rent in Northumberland was scored a one out of seven, meaning it was at low exposure to rising costs. Mortgages in the area had medium exposure – scoring a three.

A Government spokesperson said: "Our landmark Renters Reform Bill is progressing through Parliament and will give tenants more security in their homes."

They added a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman will be introduced so private tenants can escalate complaints if they are unhappy with the service they receive from their landlord.

"We recognise the cost-of-living pressures tenants are facing, which is why we are providing a £108 billion cost of living support package over 2022-2025 – worth an average £3,800 per household."