Housing charities have called on the government to provide help to low income tenants who are struggling with debt problems.

Figures from research by charities Shelter and the Money Advice Trust said that 90 percent of low income households, earning £20,000 or less a year were struggling with their finances, a 34 percent increase since 2006.

The director of policy and campaigns, Kay Boycott, of charity Shelter said: "This research paints a depressing picture of the daily battle faced by tenants at the lower end of the private rented sector, with many barely able to keep their heads above water.

"While we welcome the help that's available for homeowners in arrears, private tenants who are struggling to keep their homes should not be forgotten."

Two fifths of people surveyed said that they thought their debt problems were having an impact on their physical and mental wellbeing. 50 percent of households with children said the same.

The charities are urging the government to provide better support for low income tenants, nearly half of which had not sought debt advice within the past year, with embarrassment being the most commented reason.

They hope that the government will address the issue of affordable rent in the private rental market as well as providing financial help and debt advice for households struggling with debt.

Sixty percent of households who received housing benefits received less than the cost of their rent, and a quarter of people had to make up the cost of the shortfall, totally more than £49 a week.

The chief executive of Money Advice Trust (MAT), Joanna Elson, added: "It is clearly a matter of concern that so many tenants and landlords are facing financial difficulties and don't know where to turn.

"MAT and Shelter will be working to raise awareness of the availability of high quality independent free advice which we know can be a lifeline for those in debt."