Debtors are getting wealthier

An increasing number of wealthier homeowners are seeking debt help as the rise in unemployment and falling property prices puts pressure on household budgets, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service said. Its research shows 12 per cent of clients had a net household income of more than £30,000 last year and nearly half of those seeking help were homeowners (47.5 per cent). This compares with 2007 when just 8.7 per cent of clients earned £30,000 and 42.6 per cent were homeowners. The charity says that homeowners owe on average 83 per cent more than those in rented accommodation.