East Cambridgeshire District Council has seen a 60 per cent rise in the number of people seeking cost of living advice over the last six months.

It comes as the UK Government launches a new scheme offering free legal advice to people at risk of losing their homes.

Meanwhile, ECDC says its service at The Grange offers residents "a one stop shop when it comes to accessing free and impartial housing and community advice, as well as one to one meetings with its housing options court advisor".

The council fears an increasing number of people in the district could be facing homelessness as the cost of mortgages rise or people fall behind on rent payments during the cost-of-living crisis. 

The advice will be available from the moment a written notice is received by a tenant or homeowner, which could be in the form of an email from a landlord or letter from a mortgage provider.  

They will also be able to have legal representation in court, regardless of their financial circumstances.  

The scheme aims to resolve issues early to help keep people in their homes. 

Housing and community advice manager at ECDC, Angela Parmenter, said: “Since the start of the year we have seen an increasing number of people come through our doors at The Grange in Ely, seeking help and advice.  

“We have increased the support we are able to offer at the council to help manage this.  

“In addition to helping people with advice on benefits, housing and cost of living advice, this new scheme to provide free legal advice will offer anyone worried about losing their home an extra layer of protection.”