At least 4.1 million households in the UK were last year forced into debt by rising costs of living, a survey has revealed.

According to the study from moneysupermarket.com, seven per cent of households took out loans to be able to provide themselves a suitable shelter, while nine per cent, or 2.3 million people, spent a lot more on credit cards.

The comparison website said rising bills, mortgage and rent were the main costs that helped people amassed debt. And that about 20 per cent of people in their 40s were forced to turn to loans or credit cards just to survive.

In July, when £30 billion worth of mortgage deals come to an end, it is speculated that things could get worse.

Head of loans and debt at moneysupermarket.com, Tim Moss lamented the seriousness of the situation which compels people to turn to a short-term solution to fund a long-term product.

"Having a roof over your head has to be your top priority but to be funding that with a loan you might default on or with a credit card that will eventually charge you interest of over 15 per cent isn't the solution in the long term,” he said.