Household debt figures for England, from the ONS.
21%
Borrowing more than usual 2026
In the period 1 July to 27 September 2026, 21% of adults in England reported having had to borrow more money or use more credit than usual in the last month, compared with a year earlier.
Source: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances by personal characteristics, 1 July to 27 September 2026, Office for National Statistics, Q3 2026
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey fieldwork 1 July to 27 September 2026 (13 weeks, published 16 October 2026). Adults aged 16 and over, Great Britain. Table question: Have you had to borrow more money or use more credit than usual in the last month, compared to a year ago? [note 1][note 2][note 3][note 4][note 5][note 6][note 7][note 8][note 9][note 10] Sample size 9300; 95% confidence interval 20 to 22 percent.
22%
Borrowing more than usual 2025
In the period 2 July to 28 September 2025, 22% of adults in England reported having had to borrow more money or use more credit than usual in the last month, compared with a year earlier.
Source: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances by personal characteristics, 2 July to 28 September 2025, Office for National Statistics, Q3 2025
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey fieldwork 2 July to 28 September 2025 (13 weeks, published 17 October 2025). Adults aged 16 and over, Great Britain. Table question: Have you had to borrow more money or use more credit than usual in the last month, compared to a year ago? [note 1][note 2][note 3][note 4][note 5][note 6][note 7][note 8][note 9][note 10][note 11] Sample size 9180; 95% confidence interval 21 to 23 percent.
24%
Unaffordable £850 expense Q3 2026
In the period 1 July to 27 September 2026, 24% of adults in England reported that their household could not afford an unexpected but necessary expense of £850.
Source: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances by personal characteristics, 1 July to 27 September 2026, Office for National Statistics, Q3 2026
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey fieldwork 1 July to 27 September 2026 (13 weeks, published 16 October 2026). Adults aged 16 and over, Great Britain. Table question: Could your household afford to pay an unexpected, but necessary, expense of £850? [note 1][note 2][note 3][note 4][note 5][note 6][note 7][note 8][note 9] Sample size 9300; 95% confidence interval 23 to 26 percent.
24%
Unaffordable £850 expense Q3 2025
In the period 2 July to 28 September 2025, 24% of adults in England reported that their household could not afford an unexpected but necessary expense of £850.
Source: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances by personal characteristics, 2 July to 28 September 2025, Office for National Statistics, Q3 2025
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey fieldwork 2 July to 28 September 2025 (13 weeks, published 17 October 2025). Adults aged 16 and over, Great Britain. Table question: Could your household afford to pay an unexpected, but necessary, expense of £850? [note 1][note 2][note 3][note 4][note 5][note 6][note 7][note 8][note 9] Sample size 9180; 95% confidence interval 22 to 25 percent.
6%
Unpaid bill Q3 2026
In the period 1 July to 27 September 2026, 6% of adults in England reported having a direct debit, standing order or bill they had not been able to pay in the past month.
Source: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances by personal characteristics, 1 July to 27 September 2026, Office for National Statistics, Q3 2026
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey fieldwork 1 July to 27 September 2026 (13 weeks, published 16 October 2026). Adults aged 16 and over, Great Britain. Table question: Have you had a direct debit, standing order, or bill you have not been able to pay in the past month? [note 1][note 2][note 3][note 4][note 5][note 6][note 7][note 8][note 9] Sample size 9300; 95% confidence interval 6 to 7 percent.
6%
Unpaid bill Q3 2025
In the period 2 July to 28 September 2025, 6% of adults in England reported having a direct debit, standing order or bill they had not been able to pay in the past month.
Source: Public opinions and social trends, Great Britain: household finances by personal characteristics, 2 July to 28 September 2025, Office for National Statistics, Q3 2025
Opinions and Lifestyle Survey fieldwork 2 July to 28 September 2025 (13 weeks, published 17 October 2025). Adults aged 16 and over, Great Britain. Table question: Have you had a direct debit, standing order, or bill you have not been able to pay in the past month? [note 1][note 2][note 3][note 4][note 5][note 6][note 7][note 8][note 9] Sample size 9180; 95% confidence interval 5 to 6 percent.
Frequently asked questions
What share of adults in England had to borrow more or use more credit than usual in Q3 2026?
In the period 1 July to 27 September 2026, 21% of adults in England reported having had to borrow more money or use more credit than usual in the last month, compared with a year earlier.
What share of adults in England said their household could not afford an unexpected expense in Q3 2026?
In the period 1 July to 27 September 2026, 24% of adults in England reported that their household could not afford an unexpected but necessary expense of £850.
What share of adults in England had a bill they could not pay in the past month in Q3 2026?
In the period 1 July to 27 September 2026, 6% of adults in England reported having a direct debit, standing order or bill they had not been able to pay in the past month.