Big upsurge in debt worries in Warrington

A DRAMATIC upsurge in debt worries among people in the Warrington area has been reported by debt charity StepChange.
In the first six months of this year, 952 residents of the Warrington postcode area sought advice from the charity, compared with 835 during the same period last year – an increase of 14 per cent.
The figures point to a slight reprieve for household budgets, with those contacting the charity from the Warrington area an average of £2 per month better off than the same time last year.
Nevertheless, after accounting for basic living costs like housing payments, energy bills and council tax, the average person in Warrington seeking the charity’s help had just £8 left at the end of each month.
In the first six months of this year, the people of Warrington who contacted the charity owed an average of £11,986 in unsecured debt including credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts.
The release of the findings comes as part of the charity’s Need to Sleep campaign, which aims to encourage people to recognise the impact long-term sleeplessness has on their well-being and address the root cause by seeking help with their money problems.
A YouGov survey, conducted on behalf of the charity, found that over one million people in the North West are being kept awake by money worries.
Mike O’Connor, chief executive of StepChange, said: “Many people are plagued with severe financial worries that can have a huge impact on their health, relationships and even their ability to simply get a good night’s sleep.
“All too often, people face their debt burden alone, which can worsen the pressure and anxiety they are feeling. We would encourage anyone who is struggling with debt to take that first crucial step and seek free, confidential advice from StepChange Debt Charity.”
For more information on the StepChange Need to Sleep campaign visit www.needtosleep.org #needtosleep