East London is worst for debt management

Callcredit creates debt map of UK

East London has today been ranked as the most indebted region in the British Isles. According to a new debt ranking developed by credit reference agency Callcredit.

Based on an evaluation of census data, age, property class, income, and debt and payment performance data, Callcredit has assessed the debt status of the 124 localities that make up the UK. Four areas of London make it into the ten most indebted areas yet conversely, East London's neighbouring post area, the City (postcode EC), is listed as the UK's least indebted area. Liverpool, Birmingham and Sunderland also make it into the top ten most indebted areas, whilst Bournemouth, Salisbury and Bath are highlighted as being among the least indebted.

Owen Roberts, head of www.callcreditcheck.com, the online credit report provider comments:

"The GeoDebt map paints a vivid picture of indebtedness across the country, with consumers borrowing more and more to stay afloat. With many unable to raise additional capital through remortgaging due to falling house prices, and daily expenses continuing to rise, some individuals will be struggling to pay back loans and credit cards taken out over 12 months ago.

"Consumers can take the first step in managing their financial situation by checking their credit report to gain a full understanding of their financial situation. If circumstances are becoming unmanageable, borrowers should contact their lender or an organisation such as the Consumer Credit Counselling Service to obtain independent advice on the best way forward."

Key statistics:

The top ten most indebted postal areas were ranked as:

Label	Rank*
London E	1
Uxbridge	2
London SE	3
Liverpool	4
Motherwell	5
Ilford	6
Sunderland	7
London N	8
Romford	9
Birmingham	10

The postal areas with the lowest debt ratings were ranked as:

Label	Rank*
London EC	124
Dorchester	123
Salisbury	122
London WC	121
Bournemouth	120
Bath	119
Taunton	118
Guernsey	117
Oxford	116
Exeter	115

By region, UK government office regions were ranked in terms of debt as:

GOR	Rank*
North East	1
London	2
Scotland	3
West Midlands	4
North West	5
Wales	6
Yorkshire And The Humber	7
East Midlands	8
Northern Ireland	9
East	10
South East	11
South West	12

*Ranked out of 124 post areas where 1 is most indebted and 124 is the least indebted

To receive a high resolution version of the GeoDebt hotspots map contact Katie Moore on 0207 067 0473 or kmoore@golinharris.com

About Callcredit

Callcredit (www.callcredit.co.uk) is the UK's most innovative, state-of-the art credit reference agency, with an extensive range of information and value added services for businesses and individuals.
Callcredit Check provides consumers with online access to the details of their credit file at www.callcreditcheck.com
Callcredit has harnessed state-of-the-art information technology with an unrivalled knowledge of the industry's needs to develop a range of innovative information solutions. Solutions that are enabling major lenders and a host of other blue chip companies to address regulatory requirements, make better credit decisions, target new customers more effectively and manage existing customers more profitably.
Callcredit is one of six core businesses that form the Callcredit Information Group. The other five are:

· Database management company EuroDirect

· Market analysis firm GMAP Consulting

· Online payment service provider, Legatio

· Scorecard development and affordability assessment specialist DecisionMetrics

· Marketing services and database specialist, Broadsystem

ENDS