JOE SHALAM: Reaction Life

May 15, 2020

Draconian local council debt collection is hitting Britain’s households hard

Shortly before lockdown, I travelled the length of the UK visiting small charities to gain an understanding of life in ‘severe problem debt’ – from those who understand it best. In truth, I was not quite prepared for what I’d see.

The hair pulled out by parents in support sessions, whose stress filtered down to their children affecting behaviour at school. The visible strain on family relationships. The job prospects flatly denied. Its cruel encouragement towards alcohol and other substance abuse. The evidence was clear: problem debt ruins lives.

And so while there will be a lively policy debate about the size of the national debt as we fuel our economic response to COVID-19, we should be just as mindful of household debt – as perhaps the more immediate source of anxiety for many families across Britain.

Continue reading HERE | @reactionlife

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