Millions of people who have missed important payments urged to get debt advice

More than 16 million people have been unable to pay key household bills this year – more than two million of those for the first time ever – a new survey has revealed.

The research by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) found a third (30%) of people have missed at least one payment in 2023. Of those, 14% said it had never happened to them before.

The survey was carried out to mark Talk Money Week (6-10 November). This year’s theme is “do one thing” to improve your financial wellbeing.

Payments most likely to be missed

The survey found the most common missed payments were:

• credit card (11%)
• utilities (10%)
• council tax or rates (10%)
• bank overdrafts or loans (8%)
• rent (5%)
• mortgage (4%)

Act fast

MaPS says, if possible, you should speak to your lender before you miss a payment as lenders have a responsibility to try and help you. They may be able to help by:

• offering a better tariff
• setting up a more flexible payment arrangement
• putting you in touch with a charity

Reluctant to talk

Despite this advice, the survey revealed people are often reluctant to talk about money worries.

It found:

• only 62% of people would talk to a lender if they were struggling
• 15% would do nothing if they were heading for trouble

Free debt advice

MaPS said people who have already missed payments should get free debt advice. But again, its survey revealed:

• Only 37% would get debt help if they thought they were going to miss a payment
• 66% would rather try to cut back on essentials
• 40% would turn to family and friends
• 23% would take out more credit to cover their costs

Devastation of debt

Charlotte Jackson from MaPS explained why it’s better to get expert advice as soon as possible:

“Acting now will help you get some control over what’s happening, find out your options and avoid the devastation that debt can cause.

“It can be really difficult to take that first step, but it can make a massive difference.”