Don’t get into debt for Christmas time

CHILLING figures show a sharp rise in the number of people in Warwickshire seeking help for debt in recent years - with high inflation and fuel prices and rising utility bills likely to make the situation worse this Christmas.

But charities are urging people to seek help with setting their finances straight and avoid getting into debt again.

According to statistics from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, the number of people contacting the charity for help in Warwickshire has risen by 27 per cent in just two years.

The average client owes more than £20,600 on credit cards and loans and is £8 short of the amount needed to cover even their basic living expenses each month.

Even in seemingly affluent Leamington, the average person contacting the CCCS had just £5 left over each month and owed £19,010.

And the situation was worse in Warwick, where the number of people contacting the CCCS has risen by 37 per cent in two years. There, the average client had no money left after paying for the bare necessities and owed £22,509 – more than £3,000 above the national average.

The charity’s spokesman Matt Hartley described debt as a “hidden problem”.

He said: “It’s easy to look at the Parade or Market Place and think that the Warwick and Leamington area is relatively prosperous, but many households are struggling to meet even their basic living expenses. We have seen disposable incomes fall relentlessly this year, and I am concerned the added financial pressures of Christmas will push many families further into the red.”

Mr Hartley added: “Anyone who is struggling to cope should seek free advice from a debt charity such as CCCS as early as possible. Don’t leave it until January – as the earlier you seek free advice on how to deal with the problem, the easier it will be to solve.”

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau is also offering people advice, and the Warwick district branch and Barclaycard have produced a leaflet with ten tips to stay out of debt.

Charlie Adams, financial capability worker at the Warwick district branch, said: “We all want to have the best possible festive period but it’s important to make sure you’re aware of what you spend and how to be really savvy when you shop.

“If you do get into difficulties, get advice from us as soon as you can.”

Drop-in advice sessions take place at the Citizen’s Advice Bureau branch office in Hamilton Terrace on Mondays from 1pm to 7pm and Wednesdays to Fridays from 10am to 2pm. Advice is also available by telephone or online. Call 0844 8552322.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service provides free and confidential debt advice via its telephone helpline on 0800 138 1111 and its anonymous online debt counselling tool CCCS Debt Remedy.