Greater numbers of affluent people are seeking help for debt problems as the recession bites, a charity has said.
Unemployment and a housing market slump has caused a “fundamental shift” in the nature of UK debt, said the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS).
Consumers in the UK have total debts approaching £1.5 trillion.
A regional breakdown showed that the highest levels of debt were generally in the south of England – at an average of £29,000, but the over 60s in Wales had one of the highest debt levels in the UK at £25,947.
Scots seeking help from the CCCS had the highest levels of debt in the UK relative to their income. Those in Northern Ireland were least able to repay debts.
John of debt management service , said the trend of more affluent earners getting into trouble was not seen during previous recessions.