People in the West Midlands with important financial information online are the least likely across the regions to have told their next of kin about their online accounts.

The West Midlands is the most at risk in the UK of being unprepared, as over two-thirds (65%) don’t have a will, whereas one in ten in the region have thought about their Facebook account when they die.

Through an online poll, 53% of Ross Gazette readers said that a next of kin would be able to access their online details, while 47% of readers said that no one would be able to.

According to new research from Lloyds Bank, those in the West Midlands with important financial information online are the least likely across the regions to have told their next of kin about their online accounts, with nearly three-quarters (71%) keeping quiet on this. This is in stark contrast to the majority of people being clear about their paper finances and more trivial concerns – one in ten (10%) said that they’d considered what will happen to their Facebook page in the event of their death.

In line with advancing technology, life expectancy in the UK has reached its highest ever levels prompting people to think they have more time to prepare. This has created a nation at risk of being unprepared, particularly those in the West Midlands as nearly two thirds (65%) are without a will, the highest proportion across the regions.

Robin Bulloch, Managing Director, Lloyds Bank, said: “We all embrace technological advancement but this does mean that people in the West Midlands need to make sure that they’re taking as much care of their online finances now we operate in a more paperless society.

“It’s not easy for anyone to think about a time when they won’t be around, and often even tougher to talk about it. But our research shows that those who are left to organise the financial affairs of a loved one once they’ve passed away could be facing a challenging task. During what’s already a difficult time, this can add further pressure and upset.”