The first increase in UK interest rates in a decade could see some people struggle to keep a roof over their heads, Shelter Scotland has warned.

The official Bank of England rate has been lifted from 0.25% to 0.5%, the first increase since July 2007.

Bank of England governor Mark Carney has warned it is likely to rise twice more over the next three years.

Commenting on the rise, Graeme Brown, director of Shelter Scotland, said: “While this is a modest rise in interest rates, we know there are many people already living on the edge of their finances and struggling to keep a roof over their heads and this will give them genuine concerns over how they can make ends meet.

“It is vital that anyone who starts to struggle with their mortgage or finances as a result of this rise gets help sooner rather than later. Our money and debt advisors can help people manage the daily struggle of keeping a roof over their heads.”