Many consumers 'seeking debt advice'

Many people have sought debt-related guidance from the Citizens Advice Bureau during the economic downturn, figures have revealed.

Research published by the organisation this week finds that 3.06 million queries relating to debt issues were addressed by its England and Wales-based advisers in the months from April of last year through to September 2009.

"Citizens Advice Bureaux across the country are seeing increasing numbers of people seeking help, with benefits and debt enquiries alone up over a fifth in the last year," commented David Harker, who acts as the charity's chief executive.

Those looking to overcome credit card debt may be interested to note that the bureau also suggests that a 21 per cent yearly growth rate is in evidence when it comes to debt concerns.

Meanwhile, MoneyExpert.com's head of research Pierre Williams recently claimed that a number of the UK's borrowers have recently taken steps to reduce their debts.