Aviva report makes for “uncomfortable reading”

10 July, 2013

In response to the Aviva Family Finances report, StepChange Debt Charity head of policy Peter Tutton said:

“Today’s report makes for uncomfortable reading. Increasing debt levels and falling numbers of people making monthly debt repayments shows the increasingly fragile nature of many household budgets.

“That five percent of families now rely on payday loans highlights how for a substantial proportion of the population simply meeting essential living costs is becoming increasingly unaffordable.

“While the increase in average incomes should provide some respite for families’ finances, the reality remains that we are seeing increasing numbers of people falling behind on essential bills like rent, gas and electricity and Council Tax. It is therefore crucial that anyone struggling financially seeks advice and support at the earliest opportunity”.