More individuals are seeking debt advice
According to the Banking Times there has been a large increase in the number of individuals receiving online debt counselling from the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS).
In January 2011 the CCCS online Debt Remedy tool was used by 8,591 people, a 50 per cent rise on the number of people counselled online during December 2010 and higher than for any month during the previous year.
Overall 65,825 individuals sought debt counselling through CCCS Debt Remedy in 2010, and the charity is expecting even more people to use their services in 2011 as the recession continues to effect household budgets.
However, the charity has expressed concern over uncertainty about public funding for free debt counselling, which if stopped may mean that in the future those struggling with debt may have to pay to receive debt advice from organisations.
If you are struggling to cope with debt then there are many organisations which offer free advice (Consumer Credit Counselling Service and National Debtline or Citizens’ Advice Bureaux) to help you get a handle on your finances. Counselling for Debt Management is also an effective method of exploring and releasing the psychological aspects of debt such as stress and guilt, and will help individuals to see and understand that it is possible for them to rebuild their lives.
Visit our Debt Management fact-sheet for further information, or if you would like to discuss this matter directly with a counsellor, please use the search tool located on the homepage to locate a qualified professional in your local area.