Shoppers `must stick to a budget`

In order to avoid getting into financial difficulties, potentially including debt problems, consumers must stick to a budget over Christmas, it has been suggested.

According to Alan Brindley, head of Halifax Credit Cards, the current economic conditions make being frugal over the festive season particularly important.

He said: "Whilst Christmas cake and a number of other items may have come down in cost, times remain tough and the importance of setting aside a budget and sticking to it is paramount."

Office for National statistics figures cited by Halifax Credit Cards reveal that a number of items traditionally associated with Christmas have fallen in cost.

For example, clothing has come down in price by an estimated six per cent, while toys and games have dropped by five per cent.

Recently, financial expert and TV presenter Jasmine Birtles said that too much spending over the festive season can cause "misery" among consumers.