Levels of debt in Telford up by a third, says charity

StepChange Debt Charity said increasing numbers of people in the town and borough were on the breadline and only just able to meet their living costs according to new figures just released.

It said during 2014, the charity's helpline was contacted by 717 people from the Telford postcode area, compared to 562 in 2013, a rise of 28 per cent.

Household budgets have shown slight signs of improvement, with those contacting the charity from the Telford area an average of £38 better off than the previous year.

But, according to the figures, still the average person had only £42 left to put towards their debts after covering their essential household bills each month. The average person owed £12,060 in unsecured debt such as credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts.

Mike O'Connor, chief executive of StepChange Debt Charity, said: "More and more families in the Telford area are falling into debt and struggling to make ends meet.

"For those living on the edge of their financial means, taking control of the situation can seem a daunting, if not impossible, prospect, but taking positive steps towards tackling debt is crucial to getting back on your feet.

"We urge those who are worried about their debt problems to seek free confidential advice as soon as possible."

The figures are released as part of the charity's Debt Awareness Week – 7 Days, 7 Ways campaign.

It is aimed at helping people to get control of their finances and start tackling their debt problems by taking steps such as creating a comprehensive household budget and opening all correspondence from creditors.

Meanwhile, demand for food banks has risen by about 40 per cent, according to a food donation charity. Volunteers say the rising numbers relying on hand-outs is "deeply concerning".

The Trussell Trust, which runs a network of more than 400 food banks in the UK, said the number of people needing help is continuing to rise.

It comes after food banks across Shropshire saw record numbers using the service over the Christmas and new year period.

There are at least 10 food banks in Shropshire, with many seeing their busiest months over the festive period.

The majority have been set up in conjunction with the Trussell Trust but others have been created by community groups.

Telford Crisis Network says it helped 550 people last month.