Debt advice services saw huge increases in demand over 2008, according to government bodies.
Demand for Business Debtline, the debt advice service which is specifically for business, doubled from autumn 2007 to autumn 2008. In the latter part of the year, the service received approximately 23,000 calls a month, compared with 16,000 during 2007.
Figures from the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) also show that calls to the national telephone debt advice line have increased by 40% since 2007.
Gareth Thomas, minister for consumer affairs, said: “It is imperative that when people are struggling with debt they seek assistance as soon as possible. There are a wide range of organisations who provide expert advice and can really make a difference when it comes to solving debt problems.”
Business Debtline, which offers free confidential advice for small businesses, can be reached on 0800 197 6026, or online at www.bdl.org.uk. For further information on The National Debtline, visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk or call 0808 808 4000.
The government estimates that face to face services helped around 100,000 financially excluded over-indebted clients over 2008.
© Crimson Business Ltd, 2009
