Ipswich rents surge 11% in a year, outpacing wage growth and regional and national averages

Why it matters: The steep rise puts increased financial pressure on renters in Ipswich as rent costs outpace wage growth across the UK.

The big picture: Ipswich's 11% rent increase exceeds both the East of England regional average of 8% and the Great Britain average of 8%.

• The average rent in the East of England is now £1,167 per month.

• Nationally, the average private rent hit £1,286 in August, up £100 from a year ago.

By the numbers: The figures also show the different costs for various homes in Ipswich, from £664 for a one-bed property to £1,350 for a home with four or more bedrooms in August:

• A detached house costs £1,177 to rent per month

• A semi-detached costs £949 per month

• A terraced house was £868 per month

• And a flat or maisonette was £785 a month

What they're saying: "This isn't news to renters, who have been feeling this squeeze for a very long time as our landlords snatch away more and more of our wages," said Ben Twomey, chief executive of campaign group Generation Rent.

Polly Neate, Shelter's chief executive, said: "A severe shortage of genuinely affordable social homes has forced millions of people to rely on the private rented sector, with rents continuing to soar as a result."

She added: "With competition fierce, private renters have no choice but to pay over the odds just to keep a roof over their heads."

The other side: A Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said the government's Renters' Rights Bill would introduce protections against "unreasonable rent increases" and empower tenants to challenge such increases at a tribunal.

What's next: Housing campaigners are calling for:

• Rent increase protections in the Renters' Rights Bill

• More affordable housing construction

• Investment in social housing

The bottom line: With competition fierce in the rental market, Ipswich renters face tough choices as costs continue to climb faster than wages.