For millions of people across the UK, the letters CCJ represent more than just an acronym — they spell out a world of financial stress, missed opportunities, and lingering shame. County Court Judgments (CCJs) are legal decisions that confirm a person owes money, often following unpaid debts like credit cards, loans, or utility bills. And right now, they’re being issued at a staggering rate.
In 2019 alone, more than 1.15 million CCJs were handed down in England and Wales — double the number issued in 2012. That trend hasn’t let up. By 2021, over 848,000 judgments were recorded, amounting to a jaw-dropping £1.4 billion in debt. And here’s the kicker: only 16% of those were paid off in full. That means most people are living with the long shadow of unresolved debt, and it’s taking a toll.
You might imagine CCJs are only a concern for a small, financially reckless minority. But think again. A recent study found that 1 in 10 UK adults have had a CCJ in the last five years — that’s around 4 million people. In some areas, it’s even higher: 1 in 5 Londoners have faced one.
Young people are particularly vulnerable. The highest rates of CCJs are among 18- to 24-year-olds, many of whom are already navigating insecure work, rising rent, and the cost-of-living crisis. For them, a CCJ can be a serious setback just as they’re trying to build their futures.
On paper, a CCJ is a court-ordered repayment. In reality, it’s a long-term financial anchor. It stays on your credit report for six years unless paid within 30 days — and during that time, it’s a massive red flag for banks, landlords, even employers. Borrowing becomes harder, insurance premiums rise, and even finding a new place to live can become a battle.
And the amounts involved aren’t always huge. Many people fall into debt over a few hundred or a couple thousand pounds. In fact, people in their late twenties and early thirties typically owe around £1,400 in CCJ-related debt. That number creeps up with age, peaking at over £2,600 for those in their 60s and 70s — a stark sign that financial strain isn’t just a young person’s problem.
Energy debt has become a major driver behind the surge in CCJs. In 2023, the number of households seeking help due to legal action over unpaid energy bills nearly doubled compared to the previous year. With average energy arrears pushing £3.1 billion, utility providers are increasingly turning to the courts and even bailiffs to recover money — often from the people who can least afford to pay.
This isn’t just a numbers game. These legal threats lead to sleepless nights, family tension, and worsening mental health. And once a CCJ is issued, the damage is often already done — credit scores nosedive, and options become limited.
There’s growing concern that the UK’s legal and financial systems aren’t doing enough to protect the vulnerable. Organisations like Citizens Advice are calling for better support, earlier intervention, and more responsible debt collection practices. Even regulators like Ofgem are stepping in to limit aggressive tactics like the forced installation of prepayment meters, which disproportionately affect low-income households.
But ultimately, preventing CCJs means tackling the reasons people fall into debt in the first place — from low wages and rising living costs to gaps in financial literacy.
One of the biggest barriers to addressing CCJs is the shame that surrounds them. Debt remains a taboo topic, despite affecting millions. The more we talk openly about it — and the more we understand how it happens — the better we can support each other and push for systems that offer real solutions, not just punishment.
Because at the end of the day, a CCJ isn’t just a court ruling — it’s a snapshot of a life under pressure. And behind every one of those judgments is a person trying to keep their head above water.