Press Release

DEAR MR DARLING .

Equifax customers send a message to Alistair Darling as he prepares for the Pre Budget Report

London, December 2nd 2009 - Leading instant online credit information provider, Equifax, has asked its consumer customers for their financial wishes for 2010.

A resounding 42% said they wanted interest rates to stay low - even more than those who said they wanted to receive a pay rise at 38%. And, not surprisingly almost a third (31%) also asked for a reduction in income tax! It's a clear message for Alistair Darling as he prepares The Pre Budget Report for 9th December.

"These top ranking responses are probably not surprising", confirmed Neil Munroe, External Affairs Director, Equifax. "It's been a hard year for many families, with 58% having not had a pay rise, yet over half (54%) have also seen their monthly outgoings increase. But what is, perhaps, more interesting is some of the other financial wishes made by our customers.

"Whilst almost half want interest rates to stay low, just over 1 in 5 (21%) actually would like interest rates to go up so that they can see a better return on their savings. And 20% would like to see an improvement in access to credit, reflecting the difficulties many have faced in simply managing expenses during the year.

"The burning question now is whether Mr Darling will give families and individuals an early Christmas present and what that present will be?."

The findings from the Equifax survey also showed that there is still considerable concern about financial stability and job security in 2010. Nearly two thirds of respondents (64%) do not expect to get a pay rise or are not sure if they will get one next year. And 34% are worried about their job in the coming year.

"With job losses still being reported on a daily basis, the Chancellor may see the need to introduce other tools to boost confidence in consumer spending which would, in turn, improve the economy as a whole", concluded Neil Munroe.

ENDS

The Equifax survey was conducted mid November 2009 with a total of 932 respondents.

For interviews with Neil Munroe please contact the Equifax Press Office: Wendy Harrison, Cecile Stearn, Elinor Puzey or Louise Fowler on 020 8977 9132. louise@harrisonsadler.com