ALTHOUGH indications are that an interest rise will not be happening this year, the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) has issued practical advice that consumers can take now to prepare for any future rise.

Research from the Money Advice Service (MAS) suggests that many people have not yet taken steps to plan for higher interest rates.

CML research also shows that, for most people, gradual increases in rates are likely to manageable (even if not welcome).

And if people take some sensible, practical steps now, most will be able to cope with what the Bank of England has previously flagged as a likely “baby steps” trajectory of rate rises, whenever they finally come.

The MAS research suggests that around half of survey respondents would find it difficult to cover up to £150 extra a month.

But the CML points out that £150 equates to around a two full percentage point increase on an average mortgage – something that markets see as unlikely until 2018.

In the short term, a quarter point rise would add something around £16 a month to an average mortgage. But the CML shares MAS concern about whether consumers are taking all the steps that they could to plan ahead for higher rates, and ensure that they are resilient to potentially higher payments on their credit obligations.

As a checklist, the CML suggests that it makes sense for all mortgage holders to: l Remind yourself of what rate you are currently paying, whether it is fixed or variable, and when the deal and any associated early repayment charges expire.

l Use the MAS mortgage calculator to work out what rate rises of different sizes would mean for you, and make sure you could cover this additional amount.

l If you think you would struggle, go through a budgeting exercise and consider whether there are any areas of spending you could reduce. There is a self-help budget planner on the National Debtline website.

CML head of external affairs Sue Anderson said: “By planning ahead now, mortgage holders can get a clear picture of what a rate rise would mean for their own repayments.”