The ONS categorises household financial debt as credit and store cards that are not settled each month, overdrafts and all forms of fixed-term loans – but not mortgages.
The introduction of fixed term and starter tenancies, and the bedroom tax, have contributed to greater instability for tenants.
"You feel lucky if you score any sort of fixed-term contract," Blake says.
We have seen the introduction of fixed-term parliaments and of police and crime commissioners.
Let's make Athena Swan awards dependent on low levels of fixed-term contracts.
He suggests a "supply and confidence" deal would now be possible, because of fixed-term parliaments.
I foresee the growth of fixed-term contracts, particularly given the current volatility of the ever-expanding broadcasting world.
But the introduction of fixed-term parliaments has changed the context in which such decisions are taken.
"Because of fixed-term parliaments, we knew last year [that the election was coming], so the atmosphere was quite flat".
One aspect of fixed-term parliaments that we're just now coming to terms with is the fact that election campaigns are going to start early – very early.
Maximum duration of fixed-term contracts 29.
