- The number of 25-34 year olds spending more than 50pc of their income on unsecured debt repayments has doubled since August 2008. Today more than one in 10 (12pc) spends this amount compared to 6pc in August 2008
- Women are spending a larger proportion of their income on servicing their debt than men. This peaks among women aged 24-35, with 14pc spending over half their income on unsecured debt repayment
- Over two thirds of adults are more concerned about their financial situation now than they were 12 months ago, with the over 55s the most concerned
- Almost half (45pc) of UK adults think their financial situation will worsen over the next 12 months compared to just 19pc who think it will improve
- The 25-34s are the most optimistic age group with 31pc thinking things will improve
- The over 55s are the most pessimistic age group with just 9pc thinking things will improve, compared to 57pc who believe things will get more difficult
- Women are more pessimistic than men about the future across all age groups, peaking among women over 55 years of age (59pc think their financial situation will have worsened by this time next year)
The proportion of people spending over 50pc of their monthly income on unsecured debt re-payments has risen over the past six months to 8pc, according to independent research commissioned by online credit report provider Callcredit. The same research also shows the 25-34 year old age group to be struggling the most, with more than one in ten (12pc) spending this amount on servicing debt levels – double the numbers reported in August 2008. Women appear to be hardest hit by repayment levels with 14pc of women aged 25-34 spending over half their income on unsecured debt repayment. Guidelines from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, BERR, identify the threshold for becoming over-indebted as an individual spending over 25pc of their gross monthly income on unsecured repayments.
Consumers appear worried about their financial future with two thirds (69pc) saying they are more concerned now than they were twelve months ago. Almost half (45pc) believe that their financial situation will deteriorate over the next year, compared to 19pc who think it will improve. The over 55s appear the most pessimistic group with just 9pc believing the situation will improve, compared to the 57pc who believe their circumstances will worsen.
Owen Roberts, head of www.callcreditcheck.com, comments "The worsening economic climate is having a clear effect on consumer attitudes and behavior. The increasing proportional spend on unsecured debt paints a concerning picture of consumer finances within the UK and this level of debt servicing would appear to be unsustainable.
"Our advice to any individual who is struggling with debt repayments is to speak with their lenders before things become unmanageable or contact an independent organisation such as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service to work out the best way forward."
