The charity says its findings point to an increased debt burden for the most essential costs, which if unpaid can have severe consequences. Amongst callers to National Debtline:
The average amount owed in rent arrears has increased by 21 percent in the last year, now standing at £1,904.
The average amount owed in energy arrears has also risen by £419 to £1,541 – with more than a third (35 percent) of clients now dealing with energy debt.
The average amount owed in council tax debt is up 49 percent since 2019 to £1,762 this year.
Steve Vaid, chief executive at the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline and Business Debtline, said:
“Inflation levels may have subsided, but intense financial pressure continues to put strain on many households and small business owners.
“One of the biggest challenges facing the people we help is that many simply don’t have enough coming in to cover their essential costs.
“Supporting people out of debt needs to be an urgent priority for the new Government. This needs to include helping people on the lowest incomes by ensuring anyone receiving Universal Credit has enough to cover their essentials.
“It’s never too early or too late to seek advice – and no one should have to face this alone. Free debt advice services like National can help – so I would urge anyone who is struggling to cope to get in touch.”
National Debtline provides free, independent, expert advice. Contact National Debtline for free on 0808 808 4000 or via www.nationaldebtline.org