The latest data from the Ministry of Justice, released last November, refers to the third quarter of 2019 and also found that warrants issued were up by 31% and there were 29% more repossessions on the previous year.

According to analysis of the MoJ data by Sellhousefast.uk from the July to September quarter, Blackpool was the most affected repossession hotspot in England and Wales, holding almost 83 mortgage possession claims per 100,000 households. This was followed by Slough at 60 and Thurrock at 57.

The three local authorities with the fewest mortgage possession claims were Broadland (5.3 per 100,000 households), Woking (4.8) and Maldon at 3.6.

The Isles of Scilly had no mortgage possession claims in this period.

According to clients of debt charity StepChange mortgage arrears is – jointly with electricity bills and secured loans – a cause of concern for 18% of households across the UK. Typically, the average arrears amount, relative to mortgage, is £3,005.

Managing director of Sellhousefast.uk, Robby Du Toit advises anyone facing a possession claim or order should seek legal advice and speak to their lender.

He said:“There are resources available, seek guidance relative to your circumstance. You can speak to your lender about your arrears at any point, even if they’ve started legal action. Communication at all levels is essential to avoid panic.”

2018-2019 comparison of mortgage possession claims in the top 20 hotspots in England and Wales