New research by Callcredit reveals that 75 per cent of people think over-indebtedness is not their fault.

A tenth of consumers in London thought that individuals were to blame for getting themselves into debt. The most responsible lenders were in the east of England, with 22 per cent claiming people should work out whether they can afford loans or credit before borrowing.

Owen Roberts, head of Callcredit Consumer, said: "Instead of worrying about who is to blame, as individuals we need to take responsibility for our own financial wellbeing."

He advised that people in debt not only examine their borrowing habits but also get a copy of their individual credit report. They should then arrange a repayment plan with their lenders.

According to Credit Action, total UK personal debt is increasing by £1 million every four minutes and had reached £1.38 trillion by the end of September. It claims the average UK adult has debt of £29,063.

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