Credit, Collections & Insolvency News
Latest Bank of England data (Quarter 3 2026) has shown that credit card defaults increased in the three months to August, with banks and building societies expecting further rises by November, highlighting growing risks in unsecured lending. Within the overall figure, demand for credit card lending was unchanged. Mortgage defaults fell slightly and are expected…
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The past five years of a near-continuous cost of living crisis have caused the real incomes of typical working-age households to fall rather than grow, leaving them £2,900 (7.9 per cent) worse off this year compared to a world of normal inflation, according to new analysis published by the Resolution Foundation. The report Counting the…
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Half of young adults in the UK say a lack of financial education directly contributed to their housing struggles, according to new research published today by financial education charity Money Ready and funded by the Berkeley Foundation. Launched ahead of World Homeless Day, the findings highlight that millions of young people are entering the housing…
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Households experiencing financial difficulties are struggling to build the financial resilience needed to cope with unexpected costs, leaving many vulnerable to being unable to pay for expenses such as car repairs, broken appliances and emergency dental treatment. This is a key finding from research by StepChange Debt Charity supported by PRA Group. Among the 1,600…
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The average disposable household income across the UK rose by 3.5% to £39,200 in 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data showed that the median household disposable income for the poorest fifth of the population increased by 5.6% to £18,300, bringing it back in-line with FYE 2020 pre-coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic levels.…
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Intrum’s annual European Consumer Payment Report has shown that consumers can meet their immediate needs, but their reliance on borrowing has increased dramatically, suggesting that pressure is growing beneath the surface. The data showed that late payment levels have remained static; 72% of consumers have borrowed money or used credit to pay bills in the past…
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New polling from Independent Age has shown that 55% of adults under the age of 65 are not confident they will have enough money to live comfortably in retirement. The charity, which today launches a new strategy and visual identity, says these findings should raise the alarm about the threat of poverty in later life…
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Energy UK has again warned the Government of the growing economic cost of failing to tackle high energy bills, with predictions pointing to the biggest rise in four years come January, while customers are in an even more challenging financial position. This week saw the current price cap, which runs until the end of December,…
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Ahead of household energy bills rising by 4% from 1st October, Cornwall Insight have released new forecasts which suggest a bigger increase is on the way in the new year. The price cap is expected to rise by 16% compared to October, reaching £1,999 a year for a typical dual-fuel household¹ in January 2027, an…
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Consumer credit borrowing grew to £2.5 billion in August, up from £2.1 billion in July and above the previous 6-month average of £1.9 billion. Within this, credit card borrowing was £1.2 billion in August (up from £0.9 billion in July) and borrowing through other forms of consumer credit (such as car dealership finance and personal…
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Diesel prices have reached a record 199.18p per litre, adding further cost pressure for businesses that depend on vehicles, deliveries, and logistics. The UK imports around 55% of its diesel, with roughly a third of those imports coming from the USA, while restrictions on US diesel exports create another potential supply risk. The market briefing…
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The Insolvency Service is encouraging anyone who paid for a debt relief order (DRO) but did not submit their application to make contact for a refund. Thousands of people can claim money back after the £90 DRO application fee was scrapped The Insolvency Service has written to everyone affected, but some customer contact details may…
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Research from Newcastle Building Society reveals that while young people increasingly use AI for financial advice, they still prioritise face-to-face interactions with trusted advisors. Exclusive findings for the Express’s Save Our High Street Banks crusade, strengthen demands for high street branches to remain open, as it confirms huge demand across all age groups for personal…
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