The number of households missing essential payments has risen to 2.4 million – in line with the levels seen last winter, a watchdog has warned.

Which?’s July consumer insight tracker found that the number of those missing or defaulting on a housing, bill, loan or credit card payment was significantly higher than in May and in line with the high numbers seen last winter.

It indicates many households are continuing to struggle even in warmer weather, when energy costs should be lower.

Of the missed payments, 1.5 million households missed or defaulted on a household bill such as energy, water or council tax in the month to July 13.

Some 65% of those who missed a household bill payment reported that they missed more than one.

Of those who missed a household bill payment, almost half (49%) missed a water bill, around half (48%) an energy bill, four in 10 (38%) a phone bill and around a third (34%) a council tax payment.

The tracker also estimates that 770,000 households missed or defaulted on a housing payment in the month to July 13, affecting one in 20 renters (5.7%) and 3.4% of mortgage holders.

Almost six in 10 households (59%) – or 16.7 million – reported making at least one adjustment such as cutting back on essentials, dipping into savings, selling possessions or borrowing to cover essential spending such as utility bills, housing costs, groceries, school supplies and medicines in the last month.

Which? also found consumer confidence in their current household situation fell 16 points in the last month to positive 9, down from positive 25 in June.

Less than a fifth of consumers (17%) said they think their household financial situation will get better over the next 12 months, while four in 10 (37%) said they think it will get worse.

Rocio Concha, Which? director of policy and advocacy, said: “Our research has found that the number of households missing essential payments has risen to 2.4 million – in line with the high levels seen last winter – showing that though inflation might have peaked, the human cost of the cost of living crisis continues to rise.

“With interest rates predicted to rise again, these pressures on household finances are only set to increase. We’d encourage anyone who’s struggling to seek free debt advice and reach out to their bill provider for help.

“As so many people face financial hardship, Which? is calling on businesses in essential sectors like food, energy and telecoms, to do more to help customers get a good deal and avoid unnecessary or unfair costs and charges during this crisis.”