THE number of people being brought before Northern Ireland courts over unpaid debt has risen slightly.
However, the value of small claims debt judgments is at its lowest level since before the financial crash, according to the Registry Trust.
Figures released by the organisation showed a modest rise in the total number of default and small claims judgments over the past year.
They increased 5 per cent to 1,977 during the first three months of 2016.
But the total value fell 2 per cent to £3.7 million - the lowest level since 2007.
Meanwhile, there were 36 judgments in the high court, down 22 per cent on the first quarter of last year and the lowest since 2011.
The total value of high court judgments also decreased to the lowest level since 2011, falling by 34 per cent to £3.8m.
The average value of a small claims judgment was £1,885, while a high court judgment was £106,603, the trust said.
The non-profit body collects judgment information from jurisdictions across Britain and Ireland.
In Northern Ireland it collects information on defaults and small claims judgments, and high court judgments. It said a judgment is incontrovertible proof of unmanaged debt.
Trust chairman Malcolm Hurlston said: "The fall in the average value of judgments may be a result of the greater market presence of debt buyers.
"Because of their business model they are more likely to pursue smaller sums. This is good news in the end for both borrowers and lenders as it helps ensure that credit gets into the right hands in future.”
Over the first quarter of the year, the Registry Trust received 7,454 requests to search its register for Northern Ireland, the bulk of which were made online at www.trustonline.org.uk.
TrustOnline allows anyone to search for judgments and similar information registered against businesses and consumers in any jurisdiction.
“It is a unique benefit for consumers to be able to check the debt record of any person or business with which they may be transacting,” said Mr Hurlston.
“Negative information would certainly make me think twice.”
