Consumer confidence remained flat in Q1

A consumer confidence survey by Deloitte has shown that consumer confidence remained flat in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025. The data showed a marginal 0.3 percentage point increase, this marks a second consecutive quarter of stalled confidence following a two-year period of improvement. A seasonal boost in sentiment towards general health and wellbeing (+3.8…

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Average household spends £216 on monthly debt repayments

8th April 2025 Arrears and Recoveries | #debts

The average household spends £216 on monthly debt repayments, excluding the mortgage, according to research by Hargreaves Lansdown. Among the top 5% of earners, this rises to £384 and £1,065. The data also showed that those with mortgages spend an average of £748 on top of this. Almost one in ten households (8%) are in…

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Households on track to be £400 worse off this tax year due to higher taxes

4th April 2025 Consumer Collections | #taxes

As the new tax year begins in April, the outlook for living standards is historically bleak as British households face a triple-hit from higher taxes, utility bill increases, and benefits that aren’t keeping pace with the cost of living – leaving the typical working-age household £400 worse off this financial year, according to new analysis…

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Half of under 35s worried they’ll lose their job in the next 12 months

As the unemployment rate hits 4.4%, its highest rate since 2021, new data from Best Insurance has revealed that workers are growing increasingly concerned about their job security over the next 12 months, with one in four (26%) concerned they will lose their job in the next year. Amongst Gen Z this rises to almost…

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Lower-income households set to become £500 a year poorer

The combination of a weak economic outlook and benefit cuts that fall disproportionately on lower-income families means that living standards are on track to fall over the next five years for the poorest half of households by £500 on average, according to the Resolution Foundation’s overnight analysis of Spring Statement 2025. Key findings include: A…

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73% of people not prepared for April’s bill increases

A new survey by Ocean Finance has found that 73% are worried about affording their essential bills this Spring. Millions of households across the UK are set to be hit with yet another wave of bill increases this April, with hikes expected across council tax, broadband, water, energy, and phone contracts. 42% say they’ve already…

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6.6m relying on credit cards to pay everyday bills

25th March 2025 Arrears and Recoveries | #bills

A new study by Go.Compare has revealed that an estimated 6.6 million people now rely on their credit cards to pay everyday bills such as groceries and utilities. In total, 17% said they need their card to afford their bills, with 13% stating that the cost of living crisis is the reason for this. This…

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Consumer confidence increased marginally in March

Latest data from GfK’s consumer confidence index showed that it increased by one point in March to minus 19, despite analysts expecting a drop. Sentiment about the performance of the UK economy over the past year and its potential to gather momentum in the coming year improved in March. However, consumers became slightly more pessimistic…

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Three in ten put off major purchases because of financial worries

Research from consumer group Which? has found that three in ten (28%) of people have been put off from making a major purchase including items such as cars, furniture and electronic devices – in the last month because they were worried about their future household finances. The data also showed that the estimated number of…

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One in five say that the cost-of-living crisis has encouraged them to make the most of their money

New research from Chase has found that one in five (21%) say that the pandemic and cost-of-living crisis have encouraged them to make the most of their money, including spending more on experiences to ‘live in the moment’ The research found that one in four (26%) are now more focused on saving money than they…

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Young adults struggling with debt and budgeting

Young adults are facing significant financial struggles, with many battling debt and seeking help with budgeting, according to new figures released by Christians Against Poverty (CAP). Research carried out by Opinium for CAP found that 35% of young adults are struggling with deficit budgets – spending more than they earn – a far higher number…

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Three-fifths unable to get divorced due to their finances

14th February 2025 Arrears and Recoveries | #divorces

New research commissioned by Co-op Legal Services reveals millions of married people may want to file for divorce but feel that their current circumstances are preventing them from taking this step. Survey findings from the member-owned organisation show that almost three-fifths (59%) of married individuals who have considered divorce feel they can’t end their marriage…

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Homeowner and landlord possessions increase

Latest data from the Ministry of Justice, fro Quarter 4 (Q4) has shown that mortgage claims, orders, warrants and repossessions increased. Compared to the same quarter in 2023 there were increases in mortgage possession claims from 4,385 to 6,080 (39%), orders from 2,697 to 4,178 (55%), warrants from 2,240 to 3,305 (48%) and repossessions by…

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