Personal bankruptcy in seaside towns an 'epidemic' as Torquay tops UK bankruptcy hotspot list

Credit: PA Images

Torquay has topped a list of places with the most personal bankruptcies.

Seaside towns dominate the list, Torquay, Scarborough, Great Yarmouth and Blackpool were among those with the most personal insolvencies last year, according to research by accountancy firm Moore Stephen. With 43 insolvencies per 10,000 residents, compared to a national average of just under 20, Torquay is top of the list.

Moore Stephen said the study showed that coastal industries andtourism continued to decline outlining that these areas often lacked the economic diversity of bigger cities and were too reliant on low-spending domestic tourists for employment.

Many local entrepreneurs and educated young people are leaving traditional holiday destinations and moving to areas such as London, according to the research.

Torquay has come top of a list of the places with the most personal bankruptcies in the UK. Credit: PA Images

The top 10 list compiled by Moore Stephens was:

  • Torquay

  • Stoke-on-Trent

  • Scarborough

  • Isle of Wight

  • Great Yarmouth

  • Corby

  • Kingston upon Hull

  • Plymouth

  • Ipswich

  • Blackpool