31 July 2008
British consumers will experience increased debt pressures in the run up to Christmas, according to new research from TDX Group. Its latest debt index shows that as families struggle to meet the cost of their annual celebrations, the number of individual voluntary arrangements and debt management plans being agreed will rise. This is because consumers who have borrowed money using personal loans and other forms of credit may find it more difficult to make repayments under the current economic conditions. "We're already seeing far higher numbers of consumers struggling with personal debts and the pressure is set to intensify over the coming months," said TDX Chief Executive Mark Onyett. In January, the accountants Grant Thornton warned of a post-Christmas financial hangover, pointing out that consumers who borrowed during the festive season would find their previous monetary problems compounded by the arrival of bills in the new year.