Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

Try to avoid 'pay day loan' shops.

Shelter reports that there has been a 60 per cent rise in people struggling to pay their rent or mortgage in the last 12 months.

As a result, almost a million people turned to a payday loan to help pay for their housing. Payday loan companies charge high interest rates and can send people into a desperate spiral of debt as they attempt to keep a roof over their heads.

Many people refer to them as 'legalised loan sharks' and point out the interest rates which are often in excess of 2,000% APR.

For professional advice go to www.shelter.org.uk/advice or call the free telephone helpline number 0808 800 4444.

You can also find them on Twitter: @Shelter