Research by Experian has found that the ‘industrial heritage’ group – including married couples living mostly in industrial communities – have suffered a sharper increase in personal insolvencies than any other social group, according to Insolvency News.

The number of insolvencies (including bankruptcies, IVAs and DROs) in this group increased by 43 basis points to 9.59% of all personal insolvencies in the first quarter of the year, the research found.

But Experian’s figures showed that many other married, middle-aged and middle-class members of society are also struggling.

In terms of location, Windsor in Berkshire showed the steepest rise in personal insolvencies – a 50% increase on a year earlier. Richmond in London saw the sharpest fall (39%).

And the research found that people in the ‘claimant cultures’ group – who are ‘largely welfare dependent’ – remain most at risk of becoming insolvent.

Simon Waller, head of collections for Experian UK and Ireland, said: “Despite the number of personal insolvencies dropping year on year, there are some noticeable differences across demographics and areas of the country.”