Press Release

2009 BUDGET - CREDIT & DEBT EXPERT AVAILABLE FOR MEDIA COMMENTARY

Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director of Equifax is available to provide expert comment in relation to the 2009 Budget.

London 21st April 2009 - Equifax recently reported that the pressure on the finances of British families is being made considerably worse by a virtual countrywide freeze on pay rises as well as a loss in overtime or shortened working weeks. The Budget proposals are, therefore, hoped to tackle the lack of confidence and limited access to new credit, particularly for the home and motor sectors.

"Our latest survey amongst customers of our online credit report services shows that financial pressures are hitting families and individuals right across the social spectrum", confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. "84% of respondents to the survey, conducted at the end of February, reported that they have not yet received a pay rise in 2009. And over a third of respondents (36%) expect to earn less this year because of a loss of overtime or a shortened working week. These figures illustrate the increased pressure on family finances at this time, which are further exacerbated when you look at the level of short-term debt being managed by these individuals. Clearly there is need for action from the Government right across the consumer marketplace, both to help those facing severe financial difficulties as well as stimulate the consumer marketplace in general."

Neil Munroe has extensive experience and expertise on the key issues surrounding consumer credit and consumer credit information and is available to provide specialist commentary and guidance on the following:

Consumer Indebtedness
County Court Judgements
Identity Fraud
Data Privacy
Student Debt
Credit Repair Agencies & Debt Management
Credit Management
The Effect of Lifestyle Changes
Credit Refusal
Moving Home
Young People & Credit
Leaving Home
Electoral Roll
Separation and Divorce
Payment Disputes
Mobile Phone Credit Agreements

Neil has appeared on a number of high profile broadcast media including:

BBC News
Independent Radio News
ITV News
Sky News
Five News
BBC Moneybox
BBC Radio Five Live
BBC Radio Four
BBC Working Lunch
BBC Radio Manchester
BBC Inside Out
BBC Radio South East
This Morning

Neil Munroe can be contacted direct on 07710 844518.

ENDS

For further press information please contact: Elinor Puzey, Louise Fowler, Cecile Stearn or Wendy Harrison at HSL on 020 8977 9132 / Fax: 020 8977 5200 or Email: elinor@harrisonsadler.com