Youth-led dance festival returns to Jerwood DanceHouse this weekend

Why it matters: The rising rental costs in Ipswich reflect broader challenges in the UK rental sector, which faces what Propertymark describes as "sizeable challenges" with an average of 10 people competing for each available property.

By the numbers:

• Average private rent in Ipswich: £951 per month (up from £868 a year ago)

• Five-year increase: 34% (from £712 in 2019)

• East of England average: £1,223 (up 8% year-on-year)

• Highest regional rent: St Albans at £1,857 per month

• Lowest regional rent: Great Yarmouth at £770 per month

The bigger picture: Rental costs naturally vary significantly by property type in the town:

• One-bedroom property: £709 per month

• Flat or maisonette: £834 per month

• Terraced house: £920 per month

• Semi-detached house: £1,007 per month

• Detached house: £1,243 per month

• Four or more bedrooms: £1,422 per month

What they're saying: Nathan Emerson, chief executive of Propertymark, said the rental sector continues to see "sizeable challenges from a magnitude of different angles."

He added: "We continue to see a considerable mismatch between supply and demand, with an average of 10 people wishing to rent each property currently available across the UK.

"In addition, we are seeing vast legislative changes that will affect how and if some landlords are able to continue operating within the sector.

"Throughout the last twenty years, renting a property has become enormously more popular with people, and it's vital there is targeted support and investment in the sector to keep pace with ever-intensifying demand."

The other side: Ben Twomey, chief executive at campaign group Generation Rent, said: "Everyone needs a safe, secure and affordable home, it's the foundation of our lives. But renters across the UK are facing soaring rents, which are swallowing our earnings.

"When we are forced to spend too much of our income on rent, the effects ripple across the rest of our lives. It means children are going to school hungry, and older renters can't afford to turn the heating on. High rents are trapping people in poverty and forcing them into homelessness.

"Price caps rightly exist for our energy and water bills, but there is nothing to stop a landlord suddenly hiking the cost of someone's home."

For context: The ONS data is collected by the Valuation Office Agency from various sources, including landlords and letting agents, aiming to sample approximately 10% of the rental market.

The bottom line: While Ipswich remains cheaper than much of the East of England, its rental market is becoming increasingly expensive at a faster rate than the regional average, placing additional financial pressure on households in an already competitive housing environment.