MORE than eight million people are putting their relationship at risk by hiding debt worth a combined total of almost £70 billion from their partner.

One in six British adults admits to owing an average of just under £8,300 that their spouse knows nothing about – and many could find themselves single if the deception is discovered.

According to Direct Line, more than 460,000 people would never have started their current relationship if they had been aware that their partner had concealed borrowing.

The insurer said that the largest number of secret debts are on credit cards, with 5.6 million people owing an average of £2,109, or £11.7bn cumulatively. Personal loans, typically worth £5,011, are being concealed by 2.6 million people and car payments averaging £2,756 by 2.5 million.

Meanwhile, 1.9 million are indebted to family and friends – typically to the tune of £8,037 – and 1.4 million are keeping quiet about child support payments averaging £748.

The most common reasons people give for hiding the truth are that the debt is none of their partner’s business or that they are avoiding arguments. Others say that, as they are trying to clear what they owe, there is no need to tell.

But concealment is a dangerous strategy. Not only do you risk losing your partner if they find out before you make a clean breast of things, you could also be jeopardising their financial future.

Jane Morgan, business manager at Direct Line Life Insurance, said: “It’s important to ensure your partner is aware of your financial position, especially if you live together or are married, as they could be liable for any outstanding debts.”

If your partner is an additional cardholder on a credit or store card account with an outstanding balance, they are not legally responsible for your borrowing.

But if you are the additional cardholder, or the card, bank account or other type of credit agreement was taken out in joint names, they could be forced to repay the outstanding balance, even if they know nothing about it.

It is not surprising so many people are less than open with their loved ones. The insurer said that most Britons would rather discuss traditionally taboo subjects, such as political beliefs, personal medical issues and even arrangements for their own death, than tell the truth about their finances.

However, Ms Morgan maintained that honesty is the best policy. She said: “A conversation about your finances can be awkward and, if you’ve got debt, even somewhat distressing.

“But given so many people are hiding debts from their nearest and dearest, we’d suggest having these discussions as early as possible to make sure you are prepared.”

However difficult it may be, try to find a time when neither of you is tired, stressed or in a rush, and choose a place where you will not be interrupted or overheard.

Do not raise the subject if you are already irritated with each other or have been drinking, as this will only make things worse.

Set out the situation clearly and simply, admitting you are at fault without making excuses, and outline how you aim to remedy it.

Allow your partner to respond at every stage, accepting that they are likely to be upset and listening to what they have to say.

Agree a repayment plan together. This might involve using less expensive borrowing, such as a low-cost personal loan, to consolidate other balances, or transferring store or credit card debt to a cheaper or interest-free form of plastic.

Use price comparison sites to find the best deal for your circumstances, but take into account the impact of any early repayment penalties before committing yourself.

Set a timescale to clear what you owe, do your best to stick to it - even if it means cutting back on other spending - and provide your other half with truthful updates at agreed intervals.

If you are struggling to make the payments, be open about this too. Contact the lender outlining your situation and make a revised repayment offer.

If you do not feel able to do this, or they will not co-operate, get professional help. Avoid debt management firms, which take a sizeable chunk of any renegotiated payment in fees, considerably increasing the time it takes to become debt free.

Free, unbiased support and advice is available from:

• Citizens Advice Scotland – citizensadvice.org.uk/Scotland or 0808 800 9060

• The Money Advice Service – moneyadviceservice.org.uk or 0800 138 7777

• Debt charity StepChange – stepchange.org or 0800 138 1111

• The National Debtline – nationaldebtline.co.uk, mymoneysteps.org or 0808 808 4000