This latest report provides insight into the demographic and debt information of new clients who first received debt advice in September 2022. It also includes the latest insights on our website traffic trends
Our key findings from September 2022:
- StepChange received 323,000 website visits in September, which is 7% lower compared to the 340,000 visits in August 2022. Although there was an increase in traffic to webpages concerning emergency funding (+4%) and government help with gas and electricity bills (+11%) between August and September.
- September saw around 500 fewer clients accessing full debt advice, compared to August 2022, with a three percentage points fall in clients using the online channel. Although, September saw the second highest volume of clients completing debt advice online in 2022.
- Over one in five (22%) clients cite a ‘cost of living increase’ as their main reason for debt. ‘Lack of control over finances’ (16%) is second most cited reason, mentioned more by online clients (18%) than telephony clients (12%).
- The proportion of clients behind on personal loans (44%), overdrafts (32%) and short-term high cost credit or payday loans (9%), at the time of advice, has decreased in September, compared to August 2022.
- There has been an increase in the proportion of clients in arrears with dual fuel (56%), electricity (31%) and gas (26%) bills, compared to August 2022.
- The proportion of clients in receipt of Universal Credit is up by three percentage points to 35%, and the proportion of clients with a negative budget is up by two percentage points to 34%, compared to the previous calendar month.
- September saw the charity advise more women (63%) and single parents (26%), and fewer clients in full time employment (39%), compared to August 2022.
Take a look at the full report to find out more.