Lockdown debts: estimating the size of lockdown arrears

Lockdown debts: estimating the size of lockdown arrears [ 150 kb]

Coronavirus has pushed huge numbers of people into debt. Without further intervention, hundreds of thousands of people face years of financial difficulty dealing with lockdown debts.

We estimate that 6 million UK adults have fallen behind on at least one household bill during the pandemic and that, in total, those households owe £1.6 billion in household bill arrears.

If left unaddressed, these levels of lockdown arrears will have negative impacts on both individuals and the wider economy. 

The government must step in with financial help for people with coronavirus debts, particularly those struggling with rent and council tax arrears.