This is an increase from 27,000 repossessions in 2007. The CML said a weaker economy is to blame.

Vince Cable, the Liberal Democrat Treasury spokesman, said: "Last year saw the highest number of home repossessions this century, but of particular concern is the rise in the number of repossession orders, which indicates we could now be at the brink of another crash in the housing market.

The CML, in addition to the Citizens Advice Bureaux and Shelter, are requesting the Treasury to provide help for people who have problems making mortgage payments.

Micheal Coogan, director general of CML, said: "Lenders take their responsibilities to borrowers facing repayment difficulties very seriously.”

The groups support a reform of state support currently available to homeowners. The present system provides immediate help to tenants but homeowners may have a nine-month wait in which financial trouble may worsen.

A Treasury spokesman said: "The government's housing finance review, to be published in the budget, will explore options to increase the uptake of affordable, long-term, fixed-rate mortgages."