Tackling inflation must take priority over helping people with their mortgages, according to Wellington's member of parliament.

Rebecca Pow MP made the comments in response to calls by the Liberal Democrats to help struggling mortgage holders with cash payments.

In a statement Ms Pow said: “The Chancellor has met with the UK's principal mortgage lenders and the Financial Conduct Authority to agree the Mortgage Charter. 

“Under the plans, anyone worried about their mortgage repayments can call their lender for information and support, without any impact on their credit score.

“Moreover, for people who are at risk of losing their home, mortgage lenders have agreed to a minimum 12-month period before any repossession without consent.

“Tackling inflation is this Government’s number one priority, and it should be the number one priority for the Lib Dems too. 

“Unfortunately it appears as if the Lib Dems only policy on the matter is highly inflationary and ultimately, the people of Taunton Deane would pay the price for this sort of poor economic literacy.”

The row came after fresh data from the Resolution Foundation found that the average homeowner is now paying an extra £2900 per year on their mortgage.

The soaring cost prompted Wellington's Lib Dem candidate for parliament, Gideon Amos, to call for £300 per month assistance payments to be made to some households.

But Ms Pow has branded the plans 'highly inflationary' and 'economically illiterate.'