New figures released today show the extent of the increase in demand for housing, debt and couples counselling, reports The Telegraph.

The recent economic climate has seen people struggling holding onto jobs and homes, and the financial burden can put a strain on relationships.

155 local authorities were surveyed, and 93% said there had been an increase in demand for debt counselling, as well as a 69% increase in requests for housing advice and a 17% increase for relationship counselling.

Cllr Margaret Eaton, the chairman of the Local Government Association, said: “These figures demonstrate the effects the credit crunch and the recession are having on families across the country.

“From fears about debt to cash worries putting strains on relationships, people are feeling the pinch.”

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With an increasing number of people having debt counselling, the new credit card rules may have come too late to help many, reports an article at Times Online.

The new rules mean that customers will be given more warning when they have missed a payment on their credit card, and be informed earlier about interest rate increases.

The new measures won’t come into effect into January 1, and Malcolm Hurlston, of the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, says “regrettable but inevitable” that for many people there would be an increase in rates before January 1, doing little to alleviate the burden this Christmas.

However, the new rules have generally been well received, and it is hoped many will reap the benefits next year, helping to ease the nation out of it’s debt.

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The credit crunch is already affecting most of us, and for those in debt crisis who are struggling with debts and meeting repayments, this can be a scary time. Free, personal help is extremely important and the sooner help is sought, the better. But where do you go to get the right help?

Non-profit debt counselling with someone who is paid to help you on a one-on-one basis is often the first place to start if you’re in debt crisis. CCCS, National Debtline and Citizens Advice Bureau all offer free advice and they’ll be able to show you how to prioritise the most important debts and may even set you up on a debt management plan.

Unfortunately it can sometimes take a while to get an appointment so using the information on their website can help while you wait. There are also local debt counselling charities such as Christians Against Poverty that may be able to help.

For those who are not in debt crisis, but would like to talk to someone about their financial situation, there are debt counsellors who will charge an hourly fee to set up a debt management plan (they will also be able to deal with stress, anxiety and depression which financial problems can often cause).

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