Last month, The Royal Bank of Scotland revealed that one in five of its mortgage customers is receiving a three month payment holiday.  Across the UK as a whole, one in six mortgages are now subject to a payment deferral.  The payment deferral amounts to £755 per month of suspended payments.

RBS has said that 200,000 of its one million mortgage customers across the UK have been approved for mortgage repayment holidays as the coronavirus pandemic hits the UK economy.

Many homeowners will soon be coming to the end of the deferral period and lenders are now focused on helping customers to consider their next steps. They will contact borrowers before the end of their deferral period with a range of options to ensure they are supported through the coming months, whatever their financial situation.

UK Finance has said that borrowers who can afford to resume payments should do so, as it will always be in their best interests in the long run. However, for those who can’t, the body has urged that help is at hand. Where possible, borrowers will be able to explore their options online.

The range of ongoing support available includes a further full or partial payment deferral, a move to interest-only payments for a period, or extending the term of the mortgage to reduce payments, depending on the borrower’s circumstances.

Customers who have not yet applied for a payment deferral and are experiencing financial difficulties and those requiring further support after an initial payment deferral can still apply until 31 October 2020.

Eric Leenders, UK Finance managing director, personal finance, said: “Lenders understand that many households will continue to see their finances squeezed as the pandemic continues, and we are working hard to ensure everyone gets the support suited to their needs.

“The industry has a clear plan to help homeowners get through these tough times, and whilst it is best for customers to restart their payments if they can, where this is not possible lenders are keen to help, whatever a customer’s financial situation.”

• Read all of our articles relating to COVID-19 here.