Scottish consumer debt judgments on the rise

Registry Trust is the non-profit organisation which collects judgment information from jurisdictions across the British Isles and Ireland. In Scotland it collects information on small claims and summary causes, and ordinary cause decrees. A judgment is incontrovertible proof of unmanaged debt.

The total number of judgments against Scottish consumers rose 5 per cent to 21,131. Although this marked an end to four consecutive years of decreases, there were nonetheless 25 per cent fewer judgments than in 2010. While the total value of judgments increased 22 per cent to £62.1m in 2015, this represents a decrease of almost half on 2010 once inflation is considered. Similarly, the average value of a judgment stood at £2,939 in 2015, a 16 per cent increase on the previous year but significantly lower than 2010’s nominal £3,589.

This upward trend was evident across both types of judgment from the courts in Scotland. The total number of small claims and summary causes decrees increased 5 per cent to 19,167, while the total value increased 13 per cent to £27.9m. Meanwhile, the total number of ordinary cause decrees also increased 5 per cent, with the total value rising 31 per cent to £34.2m.

“There was a clear weakening in consumers’ ability to manage repayments last year,” said Registry Trust chairman Malcolm Hurlston CBE. “It is a time for extra caution in borrowing.”

In 2015 Registry Trust received 26,425 requests to search the register for Scotland, the bulk of which were made online at www.trustonline.org.uk.

TrustOnline allows anyone to search for judgments and similar information registered against businesses and consumers in any jurisdiction across the British Isles and Ireland.

“It is a unique benefit for consumers to be able to check the debt record of any person or business with which they may be transacting,” said Mr Hurlston. “Negative information would certainly make me think twice.”