In the first half of 2024, the total value of debt from loans to households in the United Kingdom amounted to approximately two trillion British pounds. It was in 2004, when household debt surpassed the one trillion British pounds mark. Debts can be formed in a number of ways. The most common forms of debt for households include credit cards, medical debt, student loans, overdrafts, mortgages, automobile financing and personal loans.

Key information about United Kingdom Household Debt: % of GDP

• United Kingdom household debt accounted for 81.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024, compared with the ratio of 81.8 % in the previous quarter.
• UK household debt to GDP ratio is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1987 to Sep 2024.
• The data reached an all-time high of 108.5 % in Mar 2010 and a record low of 55.6 % in Mar 1987.

• In the latest reports, UK Household Debt reached 3,076.4 USD bn in Sep 2024.
• Money Supply M2 in UK increased 2.2 % YoY in Dec 2024.
• UK Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 112.5 USD bn in Jan 2025.
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.4 Months of Import in Oct 2024.
• UK Domestic Credit reached 4,866.2 USD bn in Dec 2024, representing an drop of 1.3 % YoY.
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.0 % in Dec 2022, compared with the ratio of 1.0 % in the previous year.

Households Debt in the United Kingdom decreased to 76.30 percent of GDP in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 77.20 percent of GDP in the third quarter of 2024. This dataset provides - United Kingdom Households Debt To Gdp- actual values, historical data, forecast, chart, statistics, economic calendar and news.

Key information about United Kingdom Household Debt

• United Kingdom Household Debt reached 3,076.4 USD bn in Sep 2024, compared with the reported number of 2,873.8 USD bn in the previous quarter
• UK Household Debt: USD mn data is updated quarterly, available from Mar 1987 to Sep 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 3,298.5 USD bn in Jun 2008 and a record low of 406.9 USD bn in Mar 1987

• In the latest reports, United Kingdom Household Debt accounted for 81.5 % of the country's Nominal GDP in Sep 2024
• Money Supply M2 in United Kingdom increased 3,931.4 USD bn YoY in Oct 2024
• United Kingdom Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 115.5 USD bn in Nov 2024
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.4 Months of Import in Oct 2024
• United Kingdom Domestic Credit reached 5,119.2 USD bn in Aug 2024, representing an drop of 0.9 % YoY

The UK's average credit card debt per household grew by 151 British pounds between December 2021 and December 2022, the first increase since 2020. Standing at 2,229 British pounds at December 2022, the figure contrasts with the decline in 2020 – when the debt declined from 2,594 British pounds to 2,083 British pounds. That particular drop was likely a result of Covid-19's economic impact, and consumers trying to get rid of their credit card debt. The increase in 2022 may be caused by growing interest rates and the cost of living crisis beginning to take shape.

Households that have liquidity problems and solvency problems only

Clients seeking financial advice from the debt charity StepChange in the United Kingdom had on average approximately 8,000 British pounds of unsecured credit card debt in 2022. On average, the new clients of this charity owed more unsecured debt from personal loans than from any other type of credit.

Graph and download economic data for Household Debt to GDP for United Kingdom (HDTGPDGBQ163N) from Q4 2008 to Q4 2024 about United Kingdom, debt, households, and GDP.

Household debt to GDP, in percent in the United Kingdom, September, 2024 The most recent value is 77 percent as of September 2024, a decline compared to the previous value of 77.2 percent. Historically, the average for the United Kingdom from March 1990 to September 2024 is 77.97 percent. The minimum of 55.9 percent was recorded in March 1990, while the maximum of 98.2 percent was reached in March 2010. | TheGlobalEconomy.com

Consumer Credit in the United Kingdom decreased to 859 GBP Million in May from 1944 GBP Million in April of 2025. This dataset provides the latest reported value for - United Kingdom Consumer Credit - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news.

As of late October 2024, most of the outstanding consumer lending in the United Kingdom (UK) were overdrafts, as well as loans and advances other than credit cards. Consumer credit peaked in February 2020, but dropped sharply two months later before slowly starting to recover again. The category other, which includes overdrafts and other loans and advances made up most of the outstanding credit. Meanwhile, credit cards amounted to approximately a third of the outstanding consumer loans. Nevertheless, credit cards made up most of the new monthly consumer lending in the UK. A likely reason for this discrepancy is that credit card debt tends to be paid in a shorter term than other types of credit.

Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway were among the European countries with most indebted households in 2023 and 2024. The debt of Dutch households amounted to *** percent their disposable income in the 2nd quarter of 2024. Meanwhile, Norwegian households' debt represented *** percent of their income in the 3rd quarter of 2023. However, households in most countries were less indebted, with that ratio amounting to ** percent in the Euro area. Less indebtedness in Western and Northern Europe There were several European countries where household's debts outweighed their disposable income. Most of those countries were North or West European. However, the indebtedness ratio in Denmark has been decreasing during the past decade. As the debt of Danish households represented nearly *** percent in the last quarter of 2014, which has fallen very significantly by 2024. Other countries with indebted households have been following similar trends. The households' debt-to-income ratio in the Netherlands has also fallen from over *** percent in 2013 to *** percent in 2024. Debt per adult in Europe In Europe, the value of debt per adult varies considerably from an average of around 10,000 U.S. dollars in Europe to a much higher level in certain countries such as Switzerland. Debts can be formed in a number of ways. The most common forms of debt include credit cards, medical debt, student loans, overdrafts, mortgages, automobile financing and personal loans.

Key information about United Kingdom Debt Service Ratio: Households

• United Kingdom Debt Service Ratio: Households was reported at 9.000 % in Sep 2024
• This records an increase from the previous number of 8.900 % for Jun 2024
• UK Debt Service Ratio: Households data is updated quarterly, averaging 9.700 % from Mar 1999 to Sep 2024, with 103 observations
• The data reached an all-time high of 13.300 % in Sep 2008 and a record low of 8.900 % in Jun 2024
• UK Debt Service Ratio: Households data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by Bank for International Settlements
• The data is categorized under World Trend Plus’s Association: Banking Sector – Table RC.BIS.DSR: G2 Households (HH) and Non-Profit Institution Serving Households (NPISHs): Quarterly

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Debt Settlement Market Size 2024-2028

The debt settlement market size is forecast to increase by USD 5.07 billion at a CAGR of 10.3% between 2023 and 2028.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing trend of consumers seeking relief from mounting credit card debts. One-time debt settlement has gained popularity as an effective solution for individuals looking to reduce their outstanding debt balances. However, the time-consuming nature of negotiations between debtors and creditors poses a challenge for market expansion. Despite this, the market's strategic landscape remains favorable for companies offering debt settlement services. Key drivers include the rising number of consumers struggling with debt, increasing awareness of debt settlement as a viable debt relief option, and the growing preference for affordable and flexible debt repayment plans.
Companies seeking to capitalize on market opportunities should focus on streamlining the negotiation process, leveraging technology to enhance customer experience, and building trust and transparency with clients. Effective operational planning and strategic partnerships with creditors can also help companies navigate the challenges of a competitive and complex market.

What will be the Size of the Debt Settlement Market during the forecast period?

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The market encompasses a range of companies offering financial wellness programs to help consumers manage and reduce their debt. These programs include medical Debt collection, consumer debt relief, and financial education resources. Online financial resources and debt management software are increasingly popular, providing consumers with affordable debt solutions and debt negotiation strategies. However, it's crucial for consumers to be aware of debt settlement scams and their settlement success rates. Debt consolidation loans and financial planning tools are also viable options for responsible debt management. Furthermore, financial literacy education and workshops are essential for consumers to understand debt reduction calculators and credit reporting errors.
Consumer financial protection agencies offer financial counseling services and financial planning advice to promote financial wellness strategies and responsible borrowing. Student loan forgiveness programs are also gaining traction in the market. Overall, the market for debt settlement and financial wellness solutions continues to evolve, with a focus on providing accessible and effective debt relief options for consumers.

How is this Debt Settlement Industry segmented?

The debt settlement industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD million' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

Type

  Credit card debt
  Student loan debt
  Medical debt
  Auto loan debt
  Unsecured personal loan debt
  Others


End-user

  Individual
  Enterprise
  Government


Distribution Channel

  Online
  Offline
  Hybrid


Service Type

  Debt Settlement
  Debt Consolidation
  Debt Management Plans
  Credit Counseling


Provider Type

  For-profit Debt Settlement Companies
  Non-profit Credit Counseling Agencies
  Law Firms
  Financial Institutions


Geography

  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    Italy
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  South America



  Rest of World (ROW)

By Type Insights

The credit card debt segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

The market experiences significant activity due to the escalating credit card debt among consumers. In India, for instance, the rising financial hardships faced by borrowers are evident in the increasing credit card defaults. The latest data indicates that credit card defaults in India reached 1.8% in June 2024, a notable increase from 1.7% six months prior and 1.6% in March 2023. This trend underscores the mounting financial pressures on consumers. The outstanding credit card debt in India mirrors this trend, with approximately USD3.25 billion in outstanding balances as of June 2024, a slight increase from the previous year.

Debt elimination and negotiation strategies, such as debt relief programs and debt consolidation, have become increasingly popular among consumers seeking financial relief. Credit reporting agencies play a crucial role in this process, as they maintain and report consumers' credit histories to lenders. Student loan debt, medical debt, tax debt, and payday loans are other significant contributors to the market. Consumers often turn to debt validation, credit repair, and financial coaching for guidance in managing their debts. Online platforms, mobile apps, and budgeting tools have become

Between 2006 and 2025, year-on-year change consumer loans in the United Kingdom (UK) fluctuated more than mortgage lending. After a very sharp fall in mid to late 2020 and early 2021, the value of consumer credit began to increase again, reaching a positive annual growth rate of 6.4 percent in January 2025. Meanwhile, the year-on-year change of mortgages kept growing in 2024 from -0.1 percent in January 2024 to 1.8 percent in January 2025.

Key information about United Kingdom Domestic Credit

• United Kingdom Domestic Credit reached 4,866.2 USD bn in Dec 2024, compared with a reported figure of 5,014.0 USD bn in the previous month
• UK Domestic Credit data is updated monthly
• It is available from Jan 1987 to Dec 2024 and averaged 3,597.6 USD bn
• The data reached an all-time high of 5,660.2 USD bn in May 2021 and a record low of 520.7 USD bn in Jan 1987

• In the latest reports, UK Domestic Credit represented an drop of 1.3 % YoY in Dec 2024
• Money Supply M2 in UK increased to 3,858.8 USD bn YoY in Dec 2024
• UK Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 112.5 USD bn in Jan 2025
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.4 Months of Import in Oct 2024
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.0 % in Dec 2022, compared with the ratio of 1.0 % in the previous year
• Household Debt of UK reached 81.6 % in Sep 2024, accounting for 81.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP

Private Debt to GDP in the United Kingdom decreased to 75.70 percent in 2024 from 79.30 percent in 2023. United Kingdom Private Debt to GDP - values, historical data, forecasts and news - updated on July of 2025.

Key information about United Kingdom Non Performing Loans Ratio

• United Kingdom Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.0 % in Dec 2022, compared with the ratio of 1.0 % in the previous year
• UK Non Performing Loans Ratio data is updated yearly, available from Dec 2005 to Dec 2022
• The data reached an all-time high of 4.0 % in Dec 2011 and a record low of 1.0 % in Dec 2021

• In the latest reports, Money Supply M2 in UK increased 0.7 % YoY in May 2023
• UK Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 116.0 USD bn in May 2023
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.9 Months of Import in Apr 2023
• The country's Domestic Credit reached 4,978.3 USD bn in Apr 2023, representing an drop of 3.3 % YoY
• Household Debt of UK reached 2,756.4 USD bn in Mar 2023, accounting for 88.0 % of the country's Nominal GDP

Os dados de Dívida das famílias do Reino Unido foram registrados em 3,076.4 USD bn em 2024-09. Este é um registro de um aumento com relação aos números anteriores de 2,873.8 USD bn em 2024-06. Os dados de Dívida das famílias do Reino Unido são atualizados trimestral, com uma média de 2,399.4 USD bn em 1987-03 até 2024-09, com 151 observações. Os dados alcançaram um alto recorde de 3,298.5 USD bn em 2008-06 e um baixo recorde de 406.9 USD bn em 1987-03. Os dados de Dívida das famílias do Reino Unido permanecem com status ativo na CEIC e são reportados pela fonte: CEIC Data. Os dados são classificados sob o World Trend Plus’ Global Economic Monitor – Table: Household Debt: USD: Quarterly.

Key information about United Kingdom Domestic Credit Growth

• United Kingdom Domestic Credit shrunk by 1.3 % YoY in Dec 2024, compared with an increase of 1.7 % YoY in the previous month
• UK Domestic Credit Growth YoY data is updated monthly
• It averaged 7.2 %, available from Jan 1988 to Dec 2024
• The data reached an all-time high of 27.2 % in Aug 1989 and a record low of -6.0 % in Mar 2014

• In the latest reports, UK Domestic Credit reached 4,866.2 USD bn in Dec 2024
• Money Supply M2 in UK increased to 3,858.8 USD bn YoY in Dec 2024
• UK Foreign Exchange Reserves was measured at 112.5 USD bn in Jan 2025
• The Foreign Exchange Reserves equaled 1.4 Months of Import in Oct 2024
• The country's Non Performing Loans Ratio stood at 1.0 % in Dec 2022, compared with the ratio of 1.0 % in the previous year
• Household Debt of UK reached 81.6 % in Sep 2024, accounting for 81.6 % of the country's Nominal GDP