Consumer debt judgements rise for fifth consecutive year

The number of consumer debt judgments issued in the UK during the first quarter of the year rose for the fifth year in a row, according to figures released by the TrustOnline.

During Quarter 1 of 2018, 315,121 consumer judgments registered in the UK, almost doubled compared to 162,000 judgments issued during Quarter 1 2010. Rising two percent on the first quarter of 2017, the total number of adverse CCJs has risen year-on-year for the past five years. The average UK consumer judgment remained close to Quarter 1 2017’s average, decreasing by one percent; the total value of judgments also remained mostly stagnant, increasing by just two percent.

Malcolm Hurlston CBE, who chairs Registry Trust, forecast increasing public use of TrustOnline said. “More people are realising the value of a quick and inexpensive online check before any transaction. “Later this quarter TrustOnline will become more mobile friendly which will no doubt lead to a further rise in its popularity.”

 Statistics

• Judgments against consumers Q1 2018 (compared with Q1 2017)

o    Total number: 315,121 (up two percent)

o    Total value: £476.1m (up two percent)

o   Average value: £1,511 (down one percent)