SHOCKING new figures have revealed more and more Redditch people are seeking help as they find their financial situation spiralling out of control, and potentially thousands more are "suffering in silence".

In 2013 and 2014, 709 calls were received by National Debtline from Redditch people, compared to 556 for Worcester, 435 for Bromsgrove, and just 295 for West Worcestershire.

This figure places Redditch in the top 20 per cent of constituencies in Great Britain for demand for debt advice, with the number of calls from the constituency nearly one-and-a-half times the national average.

Joanna Elson OBE, chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, the charity that runs National Debtline and Business Debtline, said: "Whoever is elected as MP for Redditch on May 7 needs to put promoting free debt advice in the area near the top of their to-do list after the General Election.

"While National Debtline has given more than 700 advice sessions to people in Redditch in the last two years, we know that potentially thousands more are suffering in silence.

“MPs can play a crucial role in the fight against problem debt – not only by directing people who come to them for help to the free advice they need, but also through raising awareness of services such as National Debtline in the local community."

Karen Lumley, the Conservative parliamentary candidate for Redditch, said: "The surest way out of debt is through work. Since 2010 unemployment has fallen by more than 60 per cent in Redditch, with 1,000 more full time jobs. This brings greater security to Redditch families. It must also always pay to be in work which is why the government has given an income tax cut of £825 to the average taxpayer, with wages also rising faster than inflation this is a huge help to working people's budgets.

"I know we have had a really tough few years, and changes don't happen overnight but I hope people can see we are coming through the other side now.”

The Redditch figures come two months after the closure of the town's Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)where many people once turned for debt help. Services are now run from the Bromsgrove CAB office.

Rebecca Blake, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Redditch, said: "The reality for many people in Redditch is that their income has been squeezed over this parliament. Too many are finding the day-to-day cost of living unaffordable and are having to rely on credit to make ends meet. With more and more unreliable work, people need easy access to good quality debt advice as it's too easy to go down the route of pay day lenders where interest charges are sky high.

"While I'm glad the council have now awarded £75,000 to Bromsgrove CAB who will work up a shared service where people can get debt advice again in Redditch, the reasons people are getting into debt should not be ignored. Everyday people deserve a better deal than they are getting at the moment."

National Debtline has released tips on dealing with debt including setting a budget; opening all statements; staying in touch with creditors; not rushing into financial decisions, and seeking free, independent advice as soon as possible.

For advice and support, visit nationaldebtline.org.