Data published May 17th by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the Consumer Price Index rate went up to 4.5 per cent in April, having dipped from 4.4 per cent in February to four per cent in March.

The ONS says, the biggest contributions to the increase came from household services – notably utility bills, as well as tobacco and alcohol, plus the cost of motoring, although the last of these factors was not as strong as it might have been after fuel duty was cut in the Budget.

Thousands of Britons who already need help with debt will be seeking to take out debt management plans and individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs) after the latest inflation figures, indicating that they are facing an even greater struggle with their everyday living costs.

Tough times demand tough measures, and more grim news appears to be on the horizon. While the unemployment rate has fallen marginally, the number of Britons seeking Jobseekers’ allowance went up by 12,400 in April.

The next troubling number will be a rise in interest rates, adding another hammer blow to those already finding it difficult to meet mortgage payments.

It is becoming not only important but crucial for those in debt that they seek help before their situation worsens. If you are one of the many thousands who are considering seeking debt assistance, we urge you to call us today.

By James Murray