New government figures have revealed the places in England and Wales with the best and worst rates for personal insolvencies.
The Isles of Scilly were least affected, with a rate of just 5.3 individual insolvencies per 10,000 adults, followed by Wandsworth and Camden (9.2).
In sharp contrast, the highest rate was in Torbay, Devon, where the rate was 47.2 per 10,000 adults. Next on the list was Denbighshire, North Wales (43) and Blackpool (40.8).
The Insolvency Service statistics, for 2013, also show that across England and Wales, the average individual insolvency rate is 22.4 per 10,000 adults. The rate increased from a low of 7.2 in 2000 to a peak of 30.9 in 2009, since when it has fallen each year.
The North East had the highest total individual insolvency rate in England and Wales in 2013, at 30.6 per 10,000 adults. The region has had the highest rate since 2008.
The figures, published on 3 December, reveal that while the total insolvency rate fell in every region of England and Wales in 2013 but that the total number of individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) rose from 10.5 per 10,000 adults in 2012 to 10.9.
An IVA is a voluntary arrangement to repay creditors some or all of what they are owed. Once approved by 75 per cent or more of the creditors, the arrangement is binding on all parties, with the IVA supervised by a licensed insolvency practitioner.
The Palmers team can provide sensitive professional advice and guidance on personal insolvency matters, including IVAs. For more information, please visit our website or contact Andrew Skinner.