Debt advice `essential` as consumer confidence slides

People in financial trouble are urged to seek professional debt advice as soon as possible to ensure their problems do not get worse.

Following recent figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) on consumer confidence, Debt Advisers Direct stated that as the financial outlook gets bleaker, more and more people will struggle with debts.

The BRC found that consumer confidence in the financial sector has slumped to a record low.

As a result, solutions to debt problems - such as consolidation loans - could be available for many people, but they should only do so with expert advice, a spokesperson said.

The representative added: "We`d always recommend people seek help before it`s too late, but today it`s more important than ever to take prompt action.

"Already, one in five people has no spare cash, but experts are predicting further rises in the cost of essentials like petrol, food and utilities."