'There were letters I didn't want to open': Rise in unpaid debt court cases
The number of county court judgements rose by 17.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to last, data suggests.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
""The energy bills definitely pushed us over the edge.""
— Mark Sumner , Other
""I have to count pennies and everything has to be accounted for.""
— Jane , Other
"The energy bills definitely pushed us over the edge."
— Mark Sumner , Other
"I have to count pennies and everything has to be accounted for."
— Jane , Other
Key People
Jane is the mother of Adam Daytona, expressing concern over the challenges faced by young adults today.
Mark is a single dad who experienced severe financial strain from rising energy bills.
Rachel Jones is the Chief Executive of Act on Energy, an energy advice organization.
Tags
All Coverage
The number of county court judgements rose by 17.5% in the first quarter of this year compared to last, data suggests.
An article discussing the 17.5% increase in County Court Judgments in Q1 2026, highlighting the case of Mark Sumner, who faced over £2,000 in debt due to soaring energy bills.
An article reporting on the 17.5% rise in County Court Judgments in Q1 2026, indicating a significant increase in unpaid debt cases across Britain.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Residents win Curo service charge legal battle
People living in a block of flats take their landlord to tribunal over a 300 per cent increase.
October 8, 2026 at 04:39 PMEXCLUSIVE: US farm debt is at a record. Official data might be undercounting it - Reuters
EXCLUSIVE: US farm debt is at a record. Official data might be undercounting it Reuters
October 8, 2026 at 11:15 AM'Ominous signs' of winter pressures as NHS waiting list grows
NHS winter pressures appear to be building already, with rises in waiting times for planned surgery.
October 8, 2026 at 12:42 PMFour signs it is about to get uglier in the bond market as yields rise - Reuters
Four signs it is about to get uglier in the bond market as yields rise Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 04:18 PMHalf the harvest, twice the bills: how drought hit farms
Farmers gathered much less wheat in 2026 and dairy farmers' costs rose.
October 7, 2026 at 05:22 AMRate hike fears weigh on UK housing market, RICS says - Reuters
Rate hike fears weigh on UK housing market, RICS says Reuters
October 7, 2026 at 11:50 PM