The announcement comes as Leeds, along with other lenders, awaits anxiously news in this week’s Budget of how the government will continue its support through the furlough scheme and stamp duty holiday.

Jaedon Green, chief customer officer at Leeds Building Society, said: “As a responsible lender we’ve focused since early 2020 on how we can support our members through the particular challenges created by the pandemic.

“We know this remains a worrying time for many people and ongoing economic uncertainty is likely to affect the job security and finances of much of the population for some months to come.

“Suspending our arrears fees for the rest of this year is one way we can support borrowers in financial difficulties as we work with our members to keep them in their homes.”

The building society waived arrears fees 12 months ago, at the start of the pandemic and also introduced other support – such as mortgage holidays – for existing borrowers.

It created a dedicated coronavirus hub on its website with all the latest information for members who needed help and enlarged its team handling incoming telephone enquiries. It also agreed not to seek possession of any properties.

Green added: “Our message to any borrower at risk of financial difficulty always is to talk to their lender at the first opportunity.

“The sooner we’re contacted, the quicker we can help and will work closely with our members to explore and agree a solution to best suit their individual circumstances.

“Customers in arrears may face third party charges but by engaging with us and their other credit providers at the earliest stage these costs can be kept to a minimum.”