Increasing numbers of people in the Brighton area are struggling with debt and are only just able to meet their living costs, according to new figures by StepChange Debt Charity.
During 2014, the charity’s helpline was contacted by 2413 people from the Brighton postcode area, compared to 2031 in 2013, a rise of 19%1.
Household budgets are increasingly stretched, with those contacting the charity from the Brighton area an average of £37 worse off than the previous year.
Those contacting the charity’s helpline had only £4 left to put towards their debts after covering their essential household bills each month, and owed £11,532 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 Brighton 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.”
