Britons hide £96billion of secret debt
BY VICKY SHAW UK HOUSEHOLDS are sitting on a secret debt mountain of up to £96billion, according to a Government-backed body.
More than two-fifths of people owe sums which they have hidden from their family, partner or friends averaging £4164 per person, say the Money Advice Service.
Women are more likely to talk to their friends about debts than men, their research suggests.
Half (50 per cent) of men with debts admit that their close friends do not know anything about it, compared with 43 per cent of women.
Credit cards were found to be the most likely source of hidden debt, with personal loans, overdrafts, informal loans from loved ones and store cards also common sources of hidden debt. SCOTS actor Gerard Butler has told of his “heartbreak” after his home was caught up in the California wildfires which have killed 25 people.
As the Golden State continued to burn last night, the star shared a photo of what appears to be his Malibu mansion completely destroyed.
In less than two days, the fires have prompted evacuation orders for more than 250,000 people, including the whole of Malibu – home to some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities.
Paisley-born Butler, armed with a dust mask, shared an image posing in front of a burnt-out shell – believed to be his home – and a completely destroyed car.
He wrote: “Returned to my house in