YORKSHIRE has been chosen to trial a new phone advice service to help the growing number of people with debt problems.
The Debt Advice Helpline has been created by a consortium of advice agencies, supported by the Department of Trade and Industry.
Gerry Sutcliffe, Minister for Consumer Affairs, said: "People struggling to pay off debt need access to clear, impartial advice and research has shown that many people do not know where to go when they need help.
"The Debt Advice Helpline will direct people to the most appropriate advice for their individual needs."
The service is also being piloted in Gloucestershire and if successful will be expanded to the rest of England and Wales towards the end of this year.
People ringing the helpline will answer a number of questions to find the best source of advice for their individual needs.
They will either be offered face-to-face counselling, debt counselling by phone or the opportunity to take out debt repayment plans, depending on circumstances.
Organisations involved include Citizens Advice, the Consumer Credit Counselling Service, National Debtline and Payplan.
The Debt Advice Helpline is available between 9am and 8pm Monday to Friday on 0800 980 2800.
