(Fredrikstad Magazine) – There is an increase, but it is too early to say whether it is a trend. The figures are currently too small for that, says Magnus Solstad, head of analysis at Kredinor – a company that has around 30 per cent of the Norwegian debt collection market.
In January and February, there were a total of 35 debt collection cases relating to mortgages in Østfold. In the same period last year, there were only 16.
– The numbers have also increased nationally, but not as much, he says.
also read
Gave up the car workshop – hopeless without good mechanics
Power support
When it comes to credit cards and consumer debt, there are no special results in the statistics. The same applies – perhaps somewhat surprisingly – to debt collection cases related to electricity bills.
– Presumably the electricity subsidy takes a lot of the brunt for most people.
For companies, the situation is not quite the same.
The companies
– For the companies in Østfold, debt collection increasedthe volume related to electricity bills with just over 80 per cent in the fourth quarter, says Solstad, and explains that the reason was significantly higher bills.
– Number companies with payment problems have not increased accordingly. It is also worth noting that the comparison is made with a slightly special period, says Solstad and continues:
– After two years of little collection, the numbers have risen back to the levels we saw before the pandemic. The big question going forward is whether they will continue to increase.
also read
Claim of NOK 15 million after contractor bankruptcy
Forwards
It is difficult to give any conclusion for the rest of 2023, but Solstad does not think the consequences of interest rates and expensive times are over.
– The full effect of the interest rate hikes has probably not reached the economy yet, but if we avoid high unemployment, I think most people will manage tolerably well, concludes Solstad.
