Report reveals level of debt high in South East

The level of debt people in the South East aged over 60 have accrued is nearly three times the national average, a new report has said.

The debt charity StepChange, which until last month was called the Consumer Credit Council, said people owed up to £50,000 in some parts of Kent - the national average is just under £17,000.

In other areas, including Maidstone, Thanet and Shepway it is £20,000, in Brighton the figure is nearer £25,000 and in Surrey it is £30,000.