This latest report provides insight into the demographic and debt information of new clients who first received debt advice in March 2022. It also includes the latest insights on our website traffic trends.
Our key findings from March 2022:
- The proportion of clients proceeding through full debt advice increased in March compared to previous months; almost 15,000 new clients received full debt advice from StepChange in this month.
- here is growing evidence of the impact of an increased cost of living. In March, the increased cost of living was among the three most commonly cited reasons for debt among new clients, with 13% citing this. Comparably in September 2021, just 7% of new clients cited this as a main reason for debt.
- March (33%) saw the highest proportion of negative budget clients over the past six months; this includes an increase of four percentage points since January (29%).
- Although there has been a small increase in the proportion of new clients with arrears on their gas bills, there hasn’t been a substantial rise in clients behind on energy bills over recent months.
- Credit cards continued as the most commonly held debt type among new clients, and council tax remained as the most commonly held household arrears type.
- As with previous months, the charity continued to advise a disproportionate number of single parents, women, younger age groups and clients renting their homes.
Take a look at the full report to find out more.