More than half of UK adults see borrowing as an acceptable part of modern life, says a new report.

Is borrowing acceptable?

Completely accept: 58% Somewhat accept: 23% Special circumstances only: 16% Don't know: 3%

Those aged between 25 and 44 are more likely to regard borrowing as normal, with 54% currently borrowing money separate to a mortgage.

According to the survey by Marks & Spencer Financial Services, 18 million people have unsecured debt, such as personal loans, credit cards and store cards and on average owe �4,350 each.

But there are wide variations in how people view debt across ages and gender. For example, a quarter of over 65s think borrowing should be reserved for special circumstances only.

High earners

A high salary does not necessarily guarantee a debt-free future.

For example, people earning �40,000 or more have the highest debts and owe an average of �8,080 each.

This is more than three times as much as those earning under �15,000, who are borrowing on average �2,650.

Why do people take out loans?

Buy a vehicle: 49% Home: 20% Other 19% Everyday expenses: 8% Furnishings/electrical: 5% Education: 4% Holiday: 3% New baby: 2% Wedding: 1%

Men tend to borrow more than women, with 44% of men owing money on a personal loan, a credit card and a bank overdraft, compared to only 36% of women.

For example, 38% of women owe between �1 and �500 on their credit cards compared to 25% of men.

Instead, men have higher credit card debts.

Just under half of men owe between �1,000 to �10,000 on their credit card or store card, compared to 35% of women.

The most common reason for borrowing money on personal loans is to finance a new car or DIY, according to the survey.

This accounts for 69% of unsecured debt.

While education accounts for only 4% of borrowing through personal loans overall, a high proportion of young people say they have used them to finance higher education.

Frugal north

Borrowers in the South East and London have the highest level of debt, with an average of just under �5,000 compared to around �4,000 in the north.

Borrowers in Yorkshire and Humberside owe the least, with an average of �3,700 per person.

And people living in the north and Scotland are less comfortable about borrowing money.