This proposal covers loans for the purchase or renovation of a property as well as consumer loans secured on dwellings. Its purposes are to protect borrowers, promote responsible lending and create a homogeneous pan-European market for mortgage loans.

The Leeds-based charity specialized in assisting people in financial need received 335,323 calls in 2009, a 26 percent increase on 2008.

According to data by the South African Reserve Bank, growth in bank loans and advances to customers gained momentum during Q3 2010.

According to the latest Business and consumer survey carried out by the European Commission, the consumer confidence index fell, both in the euro area (-1.6) and, to a lesser degree in the EU (-1.1) in December 2010.

As the volume of consumer lending is set on a fast-growing trend, questions arise as to banks' ability to keep credit losses on hold.

After three-years of bearish market, credit providers are cautiously strengthening their household debt business again.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data currently reviews the financial industry's request for more credit information on mortgage to be included in the centralised credit database.

Consumer finance will be the main engine for growth in bank lending in 2011 and 2012, according to a recent report by investment firm Banchile and Citi.

The Bank of England released the findings of a survey carried out in late September 2010 with 2,000 British households about their finances.

According to the latest Business and consumer survey carried out by the European Commission, the consumer confidence index remained unchanged in October 2010 compared to September.