Thousands in the borough of Rochdale have problem debts

Thousands struggling to pay bills

A fifth of the residents in the borough are missing bill payments repeatedly, according to research from the Money Advice Service.

Close to 32,000 adults (19.4%) are struggling with repayments, compared with a North West average of 16.9%.

Over-indebted individuals are defined as those who find meeting monthly bills a heavy burden, or those who miss at least three bill payments in a six-month period.

Nationally, the total number of people in such difficulties has risen by about 100,000 in the past six months to 8.3 million.

The squeeze on living standards induced by higher inflation and low wage growth could make it even harder for many people to repay their debts.