Figures unveiled yesterday revealed that private rents in Great Britain increased by 2.3 per cent in the 12 months to August with England seeing largest increase.

But despite the rise the cost of rent was down 0.1 per cent compared with the year to July 2016.

Rents in England saw the largest increase of 2.4 per cent while there was a minimal rise of 0.1 per cent in Wales and rents remained unchanged Scotland.

Rental growth in Scotland has gradually slowed to 0.0 per cent in the 12 months to August 2016 from a high of 2.1 per cent in the year to June 2015.

The cost of renting was up in all English regions with the South East seeing the biggest increase of 3.4 per cent. Rents in the East of England increased by 3.3 per cent while London saw a rise of 2.6 per cent.

The lowest annual rent price increase was in the North East at 0.9 per cent, followed by the North West at 1.1 per cent and The Humber at 1.3 per cent.