One in ten students miss payments

Around one in ten undergraduate students have fallen behind on or missed payments in the previous six months, a survey from a governmentbacked body has found.

Some 11 per cent of students surveyed in April had fallen behind or missed payments on university accommoda- tion, credit cards, household bills or other debts in the previous six months.

The research was released by the Money Advice Service (MAS) – a body set up by government to offer money tips.

The survey was released in partnership with the National Association of Student Money Advisers (Nasma). It warned some students could be at risk of falling into a “debt spiral”.

The report said one fifth (21 per cent) of students owe more money in 2018 than they did last year, which it described as “a concerning trend, particularly when interest rates are on the rise”.