Glasgow residents owe less than the UK average
Published by Anne Marie Hughes on Sat 09 Jun 12 @ 22:17
People in Glasgow have lower than average levels of unsecured debt, according to new figures from the UK's leading debt advice charity Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS). A total of 1,302 people in the Glasgow area contacted the CCCS helpline for free advice in 2011, owing an average of £15,704 in unsecured debt, lower than the UK average of £17,983.
The charity has warned, however, that despite debts in Glasgow being lower than in the rest of the UK, many residents are falling further behind because the financial squeeze is limiting their ability to meet their debt repayments. The average caller to the CCCS helpline in the Glasgow area had just £17 left over after meeting their basic living expenses each month.
Delroy Corinaldi, CCCS director of external affairs, said: "While debt levels in Glasgow are lower than the UK average, many residents have little or no money available to meet their debt repayments each month. I am concerned that a large number of people in the Glasgow area are at risk of falling further behind as a result.
"No-one should have to struggle debt alone. Free, impartial and independent advice is available from debt charities such as CCCS - and the most important step you can take is to seek free advice as soon as you start to fall behind."
CCCS provides free and confidential debt advice via its telephone helpline (0800 138 1111) and anonymous online debt counselling tool, CCCS Debt Remedy, at www.cccs.co.uk
