Over eight million people are in “serious debt” and a quarter struggle to make their monthly repayments according to debt consultancy Thomas Charles. Around 10% owe between £10k and £20k, while 3% owe between £20k and £30k. James Falla, director of Thomas Charles, said: “Over the past year, we have seen a sharp increase in people who have taken on unsecured debt and are now struggling with repayments.”