Gross lending decreased significantly to £16.9 billion in April.

Industry experts predict that rising inflation could curb future Bank Rate cuts this year.

Pill says the quarterly pace of 0.25% Bank Rate cuts seen since last summer is too rapid given the inflation outlook.

Mortgage lenders predict strong growth could mean a 'further base rate cut next month has all but disappeared'.

The MPC vote was split three ways, with 5 members preferring to reduce Bank Rate by 0.25%.

Gross lending is at its highest level since 2021.

However, industry experts believe mortgage rates may remain stubbornly high.

Approvals for remortgaging with a different lender also fell.

A hold was widely expected today due to rising inflation and strong private sector wage growth.

The value of new mortgage commitments was 50.7% higher than a year earlier.