Only days after the Government’s belt-tightening budget, a debt advice company revealed it had been flooded with pleas for help.

The Debt Advisory Line, at Cross Hills, has been receiving record numbers of calls from people seeking advice on how to cope.

“Some have been telephoning in tears desperately worried about how they will manage their level of debt,” said Martin Chapman, the company’s group head of marketing and business development.

“There is definitely more pressure on people’s income following the budget, which could tip people over the edge. People are very concerned about changes to benefits and how this will affect the money in their pockets.”

Mr Chapman said people were fearful about the impact the VAT hike, the freeze on child benefits and restrictions on housing benefits would have on their lives.

“Many simply don’t have the disposable income for this kind of change and even small changes can have a devastating effect on family finances,” he said.

There were between 15 and 20 per cent more calls to staff who manage customer credit. Within the next year, the company expected to have to double the workforce at its Cross Hills base, where it employs 150 people.

Debt Advisory Line – which has been awarded the title of Debt Management Provider of the Year for the second consecutive year – can be contacted on 0800 652 8086 or via the website at debtadvisoryline.co.uk.