Spiralling debts from credit cards, pay day lenders and heavy interest bank loans can easily derail your financial status and the consequences of missed repayments can be intimidating and stressful for thousands of vulnerable borrowers across the UK. Figures published at the start of 2019 have revealed that UK household debts have risen by two-fifths in just six months. The report from Aviva’s Family Finances has shown that the average debt is now £13,520 – an increase of £4,000 from £9,520 in summer 2018.

The figure – which doesn’t include mortgage debt – revealed the average amount owed is 24 per cent higher than in winter 2011 when the data was first recorded.

Whilst taking out a loan is extremely common, the burden of mounting debts can not only affect your spending ability by taking a substantial wedge out of your monthly budget, it can also affect your credit score …