Debt charities report January spike in calls as worries mount

StepChange’s website had 3,958 visitors on Christmas Day, and 15,401 on New Year’s Eve and 1 January combined.

Many may have simply been exploring their options, but calls came in thick and fast at the start of the month. While not at the level of the energy crisis of a few years ago, call numbers were notably up on last year.

The Money Advice Trust, which runs National Debtline, said the first working days of January had seen more calls than last year.

Monday was the busiest single day in its history, when 1,365 calls came in.

Concerns are particularly acute for those struggling to pay priority bills such as council tax and rent.

The colder weather could also place extra strain on vulnerable households, with £4.4bn already owed to energy suppliers following a period of high prices, although the government’s cold weather payments have been triggered in many areas.