A THIRD of Yorkshire couples argue over money, says a report.

A poll by Direct Debit showed that 23% of people regularly clashed with their loved one over spending cash.

Some 8% suffered their partner's financial failings in sullen silence.

One in 10 women in the region complained that their partner was bad at managing money.

The survey also showed that 68% of women were responsible for looking after household bills.

Some 12% of men said their wives and girlfriends spent too much.

But 75% of men said they completely trusted their partner when it came to money - compared with 67% of women.

A separate survey by debt advice company Debt Free Direct said worries about mounting debts were making millions of people ill. The survey estimated that more than 4.7m people suffered stress as a result of debt problems, with 2.2m hit by depression and 1.9m having sleeping problems.

Debt also played a part in family rows, separation and divorce, drinking problems and gambling, it said.

Andrew Redmond, chief executive of Debt Free Direct, said: "Many people are not facing up to the reality of being in debt.

"Those who bury their heads in the sand are finding their problems cause physical and mental trauma.

"The best way to tackle the problem is to talk to professionals, who can advise on how to manage and clear debts."

* Don't ignore the debt problem; do something about it.

* Draw up a list of debts and give priority to your mortgage or rent payments. Otherwise you could lose your home.

* Consult a debt advisory service, such as Debt Free Direct.

* Check you are not missing out on state benefits to which you are entitled.

* Look at ways to reduce spending; cut back on shopping or eating out.

* Think twice before taking on more debt; ill-advised borrowing may make matters worse.