ALMOST half of private renters in England are living in homes that are cold, damp or mouldy, even in the summer, Citizens Advice warned today.

A survey by service also showed private renters on low incomes were expected to spend 53 per cent of their income on energy and housing costs this year, compared with 46 per cent for those living in social housing and 40 per cent for those who own their homes.

A third of private renters in England — 32 per cent, or 3.4 million — have had to borrow money to cover their rent, and 17 per cent have gone without heating, hot water or electricity to do so, the study suggests.