A Shropshire lawyer is urging individuals with debt problems to seek professional advice at the earliest opportunity. Gary Sans, Legal Executive with Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors, says that recent statistics show that during 2006, debt in the UK became a more serious problem than ever as households struggle to cope with debt totalling £1.1 trillion. That works out at more than £16,000 of debt for every man, woman and child in the UK. Among further statistics highlighted by the Legal Services Commission for 2006 are:
- 6.6 million people reported being 3 months or more behind with regular payments;
- the number of people declaring themselves insolvent has risen by 95%;
- bankruptcies are up by nearly a third;
- home possession orders have risen by 66% and repossessions are up 47%.
Gary comments "Many people are seriously worried following an expensive Christmas. I would like to reassure people that being in debt doesn’t mean you are stupid, but not addressing the problem and doing nothing about it is. At this time of year I meet a lot of very worried individuals, most are amazed at the positive solutions that we are able to find for them. Many are eligible for free advice under what was "legal aid". So, if you are in serious debt, face up to it and then you can move forward with your lives."