A DEBT charity has revealed that they received more than 650 calls from residents in Swindon in the first six months of this year.

StepChange, a national organisation, has said in the first half of this year there was a dramatic increase in the number of calls made from people worried about their financial state.

This is an increase of 30 per cent on the same period last year, with people falling into the red by thousands of pounds.

A spokesman for the charity said the fundamental reason for this increase is wages remaining at the same level while day-to-day costs rise.

Joseph Surtees, a senior public policy advocate, said: “We are being told we are coming out of the recession but many people do not see it.

“Wages are stagnant but bills are increasing which is putting families under a lot of pressure. As a result they are turning to credit or loan companies.

“The issue of debt is becoming a bigger issue though so people are becoming aware of organisations like us and I think this is one of the reasons for the rise.”

On average, each caller was in about £13,000 worth of debt but many of the callers had allowed the problem to spiral before seeking help.

“More than 50 per cent of those we speak with have been aware there is a problem for over a year but not chosen to seek help,” said Mr Surtees.

“There is still a taboo around the subject of debt but the danger of nothing being done is that it gets out of control very quickly.

“A missed payment can suddenly become a debt worth thousands of pounds. There is lots of help out there so people need to act as soon as possible.”

That is a sentiment which is echoed by the Swindon Citizen’s Advice Bureau, who say they often refer people in need to StepChange.

Claire Newport, the chief executive of the Swindon branch, said: “Debt is a problem which has definitely not gone away and we still have a lot of people coming in.

“What we would say to anyone is get help as soon as possible. It is human nature I think for people to put off a problem but if they seek help straight away there are more options.

“We can give advice on how to budget and save money or give help with utility bills.”

  • If you are having debt problems then call StepChange on 0800 138 1111 or Swindon CAB on 08444 994114. The CAB have also recently moved to a new premises at Sanford House on College Street.