Londoners have cancelled more direct debits than any other British residents during the coronavirus pandemic.
A survey of 2,000 people showed that one in five people in the capital put a stop to their non-essential monthly payments amid Covid-19 chaos.
And 26% more of them are considering cutting back too.
Londoners are much more likely than anyone else to try and get out of a car lease – due to living in a city where you are never too far away from a supermarket.
Those in the south west have also been making changes to their payments.
Just over a third (35%) of people living there have binned their gym membership – or are thinking about it.
The survey showed that 13% of people in the east Midlands have put a pause on subscription services.
These include like Netflix, veg boxes and charity memberships.
Meanwhile, people in Scotland are most likely to have put a stop to their Spotify or other music streaming subscriptions.
The poll also found six in 10 Londoners plan on reinstating all direct debits they cancel during the lockdown period.
However, just 22% of east Midlanders and 36% of residents in the north east will do the same.
Research shows people in the north east cough up the most in direct debits each month.
On average, this is a whopping £350.63 per person.
In comparison, the figure in the east Midlands is almost £100 less – averaging at just £252.80 per person.
Craig Tillotson, CEO and co-founder of payments service Ordo, which commissioned the study, said: “The UK lockdown means many of us are having to take a much closer look at our personal finances.
“With growing uncertainty about their income, consumers want a tighter grip on money matters, and many are using this opportunity to undertake a much needed ‘Financial MOT’.
“We know people are starting to cut back on those discretionary items or services as a first port of call, before they review essential everyday expenditure or charitable causes close to their heart.
“This research shows that the economic consequences of Covid-19 are magnifying consumers’ existing need to be in control of their money.
“Direct Debits don’t really work for them any more.
“Now more than ever businesses need to be offering their customers new digital request for payment services, like Ordo, if they, like us, want to help everyone’s financial wellbeing.”
Average monthly direct debit outgoings by region
North East – £350.63
West Midlands – £313.08
South East – £300.60
East Anglia – £296.11
Yorkshire and the Humber – £291.01
Wales – £288.35
London – £287.51
North West – £284.17
Scotland – £277.71
South West – £268.34
East Midlands – £252.80
