Figures from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) showed nearly 54% of its debt enquiries were from women, over half single and over 50% were between the ages of 40 and 59.
This trend has been gathering pace since 2009, said the charity, and a further pattern emerges with income with the largest proportion of those struggling earning between £10,000 and £20,000 a year.
Low income is a key arrears driver, with 28% of the troubled group earning salaries of less than £10,000, although 20% earn between £20 to 30,000 a year, with just 2.3% of CCCS mortgage arrears customers on over £40,000.
“There appears to be certain groups who are more likely to find themselves in arrears,” said Delroy Corinaldi, CCCS external affairs director.
“I fear that this situation is going to get worse when interest rates rise, which will leave many more unable to meet their mortgage payments.”
“Generally, lenders are showing understanding to our clients in arrears, and long may it continue,” he said.
