Household costs rose by more than three times the rate of inflation last year, according to new figures from Halifax.

Significant council tax and utility bill rises effectively mean that owning and running a home costs an average of £6,366 per year - £418 more than 12 months previously.

This is the second consecutive time that these costs have exceeded inflation – and the first in which utilities and council tax combined have cost more than mortgage payments, which at £2,146 still stand as the highest single expense.

Halifax chief economist Martin Ellis had few words of solace, saying: "Further above inflation rises in fuel and council tax bills are expected to drive up further the costs of owning and running a home this year.

"Council tax and utility bills will overtake mortgage payments as the largest cost for homeowners this year."

At £8,133 per year, Londoners shell out the most on housing – some 63 per cent more than those in the north-east, which is the cheapest region at £4,990.