More people struggling with debt

INCREASING numbers of people in the Warrington area are struggling with debt and are only just able to meet their living costs, according to new figures released by StepChange Debt Charity.
Last year, the charity’s helpline was contacted by 1,817 people from the Warrington postcode area, compared to 1,645 in 2013 – a rise of 10 per cent’
Household budgets have shown slight signs of improvement, with those contacting the charity from the Warrington area an average of £25 better off than the previous year.
Still, the average person had only £44 left to put towards their debts after covering their essential household bills each month.
The average person owed £11,948 in unsecured debt such as credit cards,
personal loans and overdrafts.
The figures are released as part of the charity’s Debt Awareness Week – 7 Days, 7 Ways campaign – which is aimed at helping people to get control of their finances and start tackling their debt problems by taking steps such as creating a comprehensive household budget and opening all correspondence from creditors.
A survey commissioned by the charity found that more than two million adults in the North West region do not have a household budget.
Mike O’Connor, the charity’s chief executive, said: “More and more families in the Warrington area are falling into debt and struggling to make ends meet. For those living on the edge of their financial means, taking control of the situation can seem a daunting, if not impossible, prospect, but taking positive steps towards tackling debt is crucial to getting back on your feet. We urge those who are worried about their debt problems to seek free confidential advice as soon as possible.”