THERE is expected to be a surge in the number of people seeking help over debt next week.

Bridport and District Citizens Advice is expecting more people next week seeking help with debt problems and the last day of January is expected to be its busiest day of the year.

It regularly provides assistance to those seeking help on a wide variety of debt concerns, such as rent and council tax arrears, credit card debt and unsecured loans, and with many still facing bills from Christmas these problems are normally greatest at the end of this month.

Rovarn Wickremasinghe, manager of Bridport and District Citizens Advice, said: “We regularly find growing demand for debt advice in the second half of January. Christmas, in particular, can take a heavy toll on people already struggling to make their money last.

“But we want to encourage people not to let this become a crisis - problems can be taken care of if you seek advice early. This is a good time to get on top of your debts, cut your costs and budget better. Citizens Advice can help you review your situation so you can make decisions that improve your financial security.”

Citizens Advice has produced six top tips to help people sort out their debts. These are:1.Work out how much you owe - Make a list of who you owe money to and add up how much you need to pay each month. If you do not have your most recent statements, contact your creditor to find out what you owe.

2. Prioritise your debts - Your rent or mortgage, energy and council tax are called priority debts as there can be serious consequences if you fail to pay them. These should always be paid first. Separate these and work out how much you owe.

3.Calculating how much you can pay - Create a budget by adding up your essential living costs, such as food and housing, and taking away these from your income. Any money you have spare can be put towards your debts. Citizens Advice can provide anyone with advice on budgeting.

4. Paying urgent debts - You may have several priority debts and cannot pay them all. Contact all your creditors to find out if you can negotiate on how much you pay, or when you pay them. Always pay first priority creditors who are taking action against you.

5. Dealing with non-urgent debts - If you have any money left after paying priority debts, consider getting a free debt-management plan. You will then make one monthly payment to the plan provider, who will handle paying your creditors. Or contact your creditors and offer them what you can afford to pay.

6.If you cannot pay your debts - If you have got little or no money spare to pay even your priority debts seek advice from Citizens Advice immediately.

The offices of Citizens Advice in South Street, Bridport, are open every weekday from 10.00am to 3.00pm. Anyone is welcome to attend even if they do not have an appointment and the advice they will be able to obtain is free, confidential and impartial. Citizens Advice also run sessions every week at St Michael's Business Centre in Lyme Regis from 10.00am to 3.00pm on Wednesdays and at the Yarn Barton Community Centre in Beaminster on Thursdays from 12.30pm to 3.00pm.