THE festive period could send more Scots spiralling into debt as they turn to borrowing to fund their Christmas spending, insolvency experts have warned. One in six Scots is borrowing on credit cards, from family and friends or taking out loans to pay for Christmas this year, compared with one in ten across the UK as a whole, according to new research from insolvency trade body R3. Its Christmas debt survey is published as new figures point to a surge in the number of people taking out expensive pay-day loans in recent weeks.
The announcement seems to be a response to the unfolding European debt crisis. Osbourne hopes that by helping out smaller businesses, Britain can avoid being dragged in to the woes faced by other EU countries.
John Hall, R3 Scottish council member, said he was not surprised by the results. “What is of greater concern is that Scotland is among the highest percentage in the UK. Given that Scotland is much more reliant on the public sector for employment, it is surely not sensible to borrow at a time of such economic difficulties and job insecurity.”
That 7 per cent of Scots are taking three to six months to repay Christmas debts is “extremely alarming”, Hall added. “This means that one in 14 Scots is still paying for festive celebrations at the start of summer.” He warned that many could turn to more expensive debt to cover their festive season costs, including pay-day loans and costly credit cards.
“They should be wary of the high interest rates that often accompany these products, as this will also leave them lumbered with Christmas debt long into next year. I would advise anyone struggling with their finances around the Christmas period to seek the advice of a professional as soon as they can”
Young people are especially vulnerable to debt problems arising from Christmas borrowing. One in five Scots aged 18 to 24 is already in debt because of festive spending, compared with just 4 per cent of over 65s. And with youth unemployment continuing to rise, those debts could prove difficult for some to repay.
With the growing costs to tax payers, the treasury is looking on new and innovative ways to draw upon private sector capital. However in light of recent publications from the Bank of England, which outlined the slash in growth prospects, this will be difficult and could put increasing pressure on the taxpayers, already in billions of pounds of debt.
Michael Fielding writes articles on behalf of Ferratum, who provide short term loans and Pay day Loans to those who are in need for a cash boost and tie them over until payday.