The Office for National Statistics has published its latest ‘experimental’ index of private rental prices.

Covering February, as usual it gives no actual prices.

It says private rents in Britain rose by 2.6% in the 12 months to February, unchanged from January.

Private rents grew by 2.8% in England, 0.2% in Wales and 0.7% in Scotland.

Rents increased in all the English regions, rising the most in London at 3.8%.