Homeowners were struck another blow this week when one of Britain's biggest lenders increased its tracker and fixed rate mortgage deals.

The move by Nationwide came despite the downward trend in the Bank of England's base rate.

It comes as further evidence of the tough time households are facing, with food and fuel bills rising and home insurance premiums set to go up in some parts of the countries following last summer's floods.

Louise Cuming, head of mortgages at the price comparison site, moneysupermarket.com, said: "Yet another door has slammed shut in the face of homeowners with one of the UK's biggest lenders giving the consumer the cold shoulder.

She added: "This is the culmination of a dire week for borrowers, with a raft of smaller lenders also moving the goalposts for their customers by withdrawing product ranges and upping rates.

"People heading towards the end of their deals, who might be starting to panic, should stay calm and shop around early."

The credit crunch has prompted lenders to adopt a cautious approach, meaning higher repayments and tighter borrowing conditions.

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