Over-Indebtedness

The term over-indebtedness is used to describe debt which has become a major burden for the borrower. Over-indebtedness can be caused by, and contributes to, social exclusion, financial exclusion and poverty.

The Government is committed to social justice and prosperity for all. Over-indebtedness presents a barrier to delivery of objectives across Government, from tackling child poverty and social exclusion, to reducing barriers to work, and encouraging appropriate saving and investment

Tackling Over-indebtedness

There is much going on across Government to tackle over-indebtedness. This all supports the overall strategy of (i) helping people to avoid becoming over-indebted and (ii) providing support for those who do.

Annual Reports

This comprehensive complementary activity is detailed in the Annual Reports (listed right) that update the cross-departmental over-indebtedness Action Plan, that was issued in 2004. Activities are further detailed individually on other Government Departments' websites.

Debt Monitoring Papers

Monitoring papers on household debt which monitor aggregate levels of household debt, general macroeconomic and debt market conditions and the level of problem debt are now listed on their own page (see menu on the left).

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