Debt advice centres 'to see January surge in calls'

Date: 06/01/2012

Debt advice centres may need to upgrade their 0800 numbers in preparation for the annual surge in calls expected throughout January.

According to managing director of the Debt Advice Foundation David Rodger, every year the number of people who contact such organisations soars as "the reality of overspending at Christmas hits home".

He noted that many people are "forced to borrow money to fund everyday living expenses" after splashing out during the festive season.

According to recent research from the fifth annual Post Office Consumer Credit Report, 36 per cent of credit card holders will spend the first month of 2012 relying on their plastic to make purchases and pay bills.

However, Mr Rodger warned this can lead to further problems and escalate the situation.

As a result, the expert recommended taking a "long, hard look" at finances and working out how much can be paid back to creditors each month.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Services has a helpline that individuals can contact between the hours of 08:00 GMT and 20:00 GMT Monday to Friday.