THE number of people getting into debt in Oxford has risen by almost 20 per cent in the past two years, according to one of the UK’s leading debt advice charities.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service has expressed concern over the high levels of personal debt in Oxford.

New figures revealed that Oxford residents contacting the charity for help in 2010 owed an average of £21,695 in unsecured debt, higher than the national average of £19,338.

The figure has been revealed in a new map on the charity’s website that breaks down personal debt by region, area and postcode.

The map shows that 783 people from the Oxford area contacted the London-based CCCS helpline for advice in 2010, a rise of 20 per cent in two years. The 2008 figure was 655.

Delroy Corinaldi, external affairs director at CCCS, said: “I am very concerned, not only by the high levels of debt we are seeing in Oxford, but also by the continuing squeeze on household budgets that is making it increasingly difficult for debtors to repay what they owe.

“I would urge anyone in Oxford who is worried about how to deal with their debts to seek free advice from a charity such as CCCS as early as possible.”

Laura Wilson, 50, deputy manager of the Agnes Smith Advice Centre in Blackbird Leys Road, Oxford, said: “There has been a definite rise in the number of debt inquiries in the past two years.

“This is due to the rising cost of living, and people are becoming unemployed in the recession.

“Food and fuel costs have increased, so some families are struggling to afford to live.

“We organise people’s debts, and it is important that they come to us when they first get into trouble instead of leaving it late in the day.

“There are all sorts of things that can be done and our advice is free.”

There are five paid staff and five part-time staff at the centre, which receives grants from both the city and county councils.

CCCS spokesman Una Farrell said UK debt levels were gradually reducing – mainly because people could not get new credit in the current squeeze.

But she added: “Even though debt levels are going down across the country, people are finding it harder to repay what they owe, and that is why it is crucial for them to get in touch.

“High inflation, wage freezes and benefit changes are all squeezing people’s ability to repay what they owe.”

Ms Farrell said the lowest average unsecured debt last year was £12,278, in the Shetland Islands, while the highest, £24,946, was in Slough.

  • Contact CCCS on 0800 138 1111 or the Agnes Smith Advice Centre on 01865 770206.