Massive increase predicted in need for debt advice

Money Box - A podcast by BBC Radio 4

Categories:

The organisation charged by the government to provide debt advice says it expects the number of people in financial difficulties to soar by 60% as the economic crisis begins to hit home. By late 2021 it expects that eight million people will have not been able to pay at least three bills in a six month period. And there are growing concerns that people with severe debt are being exploited by firms selling Individual Voluntary Agreements - a formal debt solution to pay back debts - which the firms make money from.Saving, if you can afford it. With interest rates at record lows, what is the motivation to save? Some community schemes think they have the answer.And Ofcom say it's concerned 'some customers are not being treated fairly' when it comes to being charged for keeping email addresses after switching provider - available to listen to in our podcast edition.Presenter: Paul Lewis Reporter: Dan Whitworth Researcher: Lizzy McNeil Producer: Alex Lewis Editor: Emma Rippon