Home > News > Debt advice

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

Electricity providers `can lead consumers into debt`

16/03/2007

Three electricity providers have been accused by a consumer group of leading customers into debt, it has emerged.

A failure by companies to change the reading on pre-payment electricity meters can result in people facing extra-large bills, which may exacerbate debt, according to Citizens Advice and energywatch.

Firms such as Powergen, Scottish Power and npower have faced disapproval from the consumer advocacy organisations for their practice of back-charging.

Labour MP Brian Donohoe commented on the charges: "It is simply unacceptable that these three huge companies still insist on penalising low income consumers by forcing them into debt.

"What is even worse is that it is the outdated technology, poor practice and inaction of these very companies that is causing this, yet they still insist on hammering their own customers."

Energywatch is an independent gas and electricity watchdog which aims to help consumers attain the best service for their money.

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according