Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
Credit card defaults in the UK have surged to their highest level since the 2008 financial crisis. Bank of England data indicates a significant uptick in the number of people defaulting on credit card payments, the largest increase since 2009.
The data shows a sharp rise in defaults on credit cards and other unsecured loans. The balance of lenders reporting higher default rates rose to 34 percentage points, up from 18 in the first quarter and the highest reading since 2009. Lenders expect unsecured defaults to rise further, while secured loan defaults were little changed.
The data reflects pressure from rising unemployment, elevated borrowing costs and inflation that remains above the Bank of England’s 2% target.
Karim Haji, Global and UK Head of Financial Services at KPMG, said “Secured lending demand was primarily driven by borrowers racing to lock in rates, capitalising on cuts to fixed-rate mortgage products by the major lenders. Some may have also wanted to secure deals ahead of any future inflation spikes.
Two-thirds (67%) of credit users agree that cost-of-living pressures have increased the use of credit in everyday spending, with nearly six million customers revealing they are doing so with greater intentionality than ever before, according to research by Zilch. The finding comes from the Credit Confidence Study, Zilch’s new study of over 10,000 UK adults and over 6,600 users…
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New research from the National Audit Office (NAO) has revealed that millions are missing out on vital support with energy and water bills. This comes as over £7 billion worth of debt is owed to energy and water companies. The report examined how Ofcom, Ofwat and Ofgem support consumers in vulnerable circumstances and whether people…
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New consumer survey and spending data from the Vanquis Financial Wellbeing Index has revealed that one in three workers earning under £40,000 are creating additional income streams to make ends meet. At the same time, households continue saving less than £3 in every £100 earned. Despite widespread efforts to manage money carefully, many households simply…
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Research conducted by Updraft has revealed that Brits are expected to accumulate an average of £1,641 in credit card debt over the summer months, with many falling into the trap of overspending, missing grace periods and accruing interest. In fact, for some, summer 2025 spending may not even be paid off yet. Updraft surveyed 2,002…
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Over half (57%) of Scots have experienced problem debt, new research suggests, underlining the scale of financial pressure facing households as a new Scottish Parliament gets underway. New Censuswide polling commissioned by StepChange Scotland reveals 57% of adults in Scotland have a lived experience of problem debt, with almost two in five (38%) saying they…
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