Bank Sees An Increase In Enquiries From Concerned Customers
As the effects of the credit crunch continue to have an impact on many people’s lives in the UK, an increasing number of individuals are starting to seek advice regarding their personal loans and other debts, according to a recent report from Lloyds TSB.
The survey, which was conducted across 150 branches of the bank throughout the country, has shown that there has been a dramatic increase in the number of individuals who are concerned about their current financial situation.
The enquiries from customers ranged from seeking advice with regard to planning their monthly budget more effectively, to more serious worries over debt problems.
77 per cent of those customers interviewed were concerned about exceeding their overdraft limit each month, whilst almost half of the enquiries were from borrowers who were finding it difficult to maintain the repayments on their personal loans and credit cards. Almost a third were bothered about the repayments on their mortgage, or other secured loans.
Following the results of the survey, Lloyds TSB have introduced “financial health specialists” into many of its branches and has launched a campaign designed to offer support and to encourage customers who may be struggling with their finances to get in touch with the bank and ask for help before it’s too late.
Graham Lindsey of Lloyds TSB said “We’ve been talking to our branch managers al over the country to find out how we can best support our customers during these uncertain times. We have always urged customers to talk to us if they are worried about their finances. But, we know how hard it can be for some customers to speak to us about their concerns.
Facing financial worries is always the best policy and having a plan of action puts you back in control. Our financial health specialists have been trained to help customers review their finances, manage their money better and give tailored guidance and support.”
