One in four people unlikely to talk about debt problems to a loved one
24 March 2025
As StepChange Debt Charity launches its annual Debt Awareness Week, new research reveals more than one in four (27%) adults in the UK, equivalent to around 15 million people, would be unlikely[1] to speak to a friend, partner or family member about debt problems.
This year's Debt Awareness Week explores how negative attitudes and stigma towards indebtedness can act as a barrier to getting help. The charity is seeking to raise awareness of free debt advice and break down existing misconceptions and prejudices about debt.
The polling, conducted by Censuswide on behalf of StepChange, found generational and gender divides when it comes to attitudes towards debt problems:
- The older the age group the less likely someone is to talk to someone they know about debt problems. Almost one in three (30%) people aged over 55 would be unlikely to, compared to 26% of 18-24-year-olds.
- More than 1 in 6 (18%) 55+ adults believe avoiding debt problems is always within someone's personal control, compared to just 9% of 18-24 year olds.
- Almost one in three women (30%) would be unlikely to speak to someone they know about debt problems, compared to 25% of men.
- Men are more likely[2] to think it is within someone's control to avoid debt problems - 17% of men said this as opposed to 10% of women.
- Overall, more than one in ten (13%), equivalent to over 5 million people, think that it is always within someone's personal control to avoid problems with debt.
The research also asked people what they thought was the single most common cause of problem debt in the UK. While the most common response was the cost-of-living increase (28%), respondents placed gambling (7%) and drugs (5%) as the fourth and sixth most common reason respectively.
Among StepChange clients, the reality is that gambling is the main reason for debt among 2% of StepChange clients and drugs 0.3%.
Survey respondents also underestimated the impact of a reduction of income, unemployment/redundancy, pregnancy, and injury/health issues as reasons for falling into problem debt[1], all of which feature highly in StepChange clients' drivers of debt.
Vikki Brownridge, Chief Executive Officer at StepChange, said:
"Our latest polling shows how deeply ingrained negative attitudes towards indebtedness are. Debt Awareness Week marks the perfect time to start an open and honest conversation about debt. The polling shows just how misunderstood 'problem debt' as a concept is - it has historically been caused by a life shock, a job loss, bereavement, or change in circumstances, yet respondents underestimate this significantly when compared with our clients seeking debt advice. What's more, presumptions that alcohol, drugs and gambling most commonly drive debt problems remain prevalent, when the reality is these issues can cause serious debt problems, but contribute to a smaller proportion of our clients' debts.
"Over the past five years we've seen millions of people's livelihoods severely affected by the pandemic, followed by a once-in-a-generation cost of living crisis that has left many household budgets suddenly stretched to breaking point. What this tells us is that debt can happen to anyone, and for a multitude of reasons. And while it can be overwhelming and incredibly stressful, it's important that people know not only that there is support out there, but that it's ok to reach out for help. Ultimately, whatever has driven your debt problems is not important to us, and our focus will always be helping you get back on track without judgement."
Visit StepChange's website for more information about Debt Awareness Week, including tips on starting conversations about debt.
Notes to Editors
- Full table comparing reasons for debt:
| Reason for Debt
|
% of UK adults viewing this as the single reason for debt
|
StepChange clients' reasons for debt
|
| Cost of living increase
|
28%
|
18%
|
| Lack of control over finances
|
11%
|
17%
|
| Unemployment or redundancy
|
10%
|
15%
|
| Need credit to cover living costs
|
6%
|
7%
|
| Reduced income or benefits
|
5%
|
10%
|
| Separation or divorce
|
3%
|
6%
|
| Unexpected one-off expense
|
2%
|
3%
|
| Injury or health issue
|
1%
|
10%
|
| Taken debt out for someone else
|
1%
|
1%
|
| Caring for family or friends
|
0.95%
|
2%
|
| Pregnancy or childbirth
|
0.35%
|
2%
|
- The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 Nationally Representative UK Consumers, aged 18+. The data was collected between 07.03.2025 - 10.03.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.
- A regional breakdown of data may be available on request, please contact the press office for further information.
- Case studies are available on request - please contact the press office.
- UK adult population estimates are estimated by StepChange Debt Charity, based on ONS 2023 mid-year population figures.
- Tip for your readers struggling with debt: Firstly, your lender, creditor, or bank has a regulatory responsibility to help you if you are in financial difficulty. There are resources out there to maximise your income, whether that be StepChange's benefits checker, or a budget template to assess your incomings and outgoings and where savings can be made to pay towards to debts. If after these options you still find yourself struggling, then reach out to a free, impartial, and independent debt charity like StepChange, who will be able to support you on your journey through financial difficulty.