During the months of July, August and September this year the Buckingham, Winslow and District CAB experienced a 17% rise in the number of new enquiries compared to the same period last year.

During the second quarter of this year 2,500 clients contacted the Bureau for advice on benefits, an increase of 11% on last year, while 850 people contacted them about debt, a 49% increase on last years figures.

The second quarter also saw a 15% increase in enquiries about employment issues.

Jim Plenderleith, chairman of the trustees for Buckingham CAB, fears the increase marks the beginning of a trend.

He said: "Over the next three to six months I think we will see those figures increase a lot. Only now are people realising what a big issue it is."

Janis Harding, manager of Buckingham, Winslow and District CAB, said the three main reasons people get into debt are loss of employment, health issues or the break up of a relationship.

She said they were witnessing a noticeable rise in the number of people worried about their jobs, mounting debt and the economic climate.

She added: "One of the more worrying aspects of this is due to the excessive pressure the credit industry puts on people who are in arrears with their credit cards and unsecured debt.

"This often results in people trying to clear the arrears on these debts rather than keeping their mortgage payments up to date."
Mrs Harding said they had also seen a marked increase in the number of people falling behind on their mortgage repayments.

She added: "Mortgage lenders are not currently very sympathetic to people in arrears and are insisting on unrealistic repayment arrangements and in taking suspended possession proceedings in the county court to enforce these arrangements."

If you are experiencing financial difficulties contact staff at the CAB in Market Hill, Buckingham, on 01280 816707.