Increasing numbers of people in the Truro area are struggling with debt and are being left unable to meet their living costs, according to new figures released by a debt charity.

StepChange Debt Charity says that during 2014 the charity’s helpline was contacted by 881 people from the Truro postcode area, compared to 694 in 2013, a rise of 27%.

Those contacting the charity’s helpline owed unsecured debt such as credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts.

The figures are released as part of the charity’s Debt Awareness Week – 7 Days, 7 Ways campaign, which is aimed at helping people to get control of their finances and start tackling their debt problems by taking steps such as creating a comprehensive household budget and opening all correspondence from creditors.

A survey commissioned by the charity found that over 2 million adults in the South West region do not have a household budget.

Mike O’Connor, chief executive of StepChange, said: "More and more families in the Truro area are falling into debt and struggling to make ends meet. For those living on the edge of their financial means, taking control of the situation can seem a daunting, if not impossible, prospect, but taking positive steps towards tackling debt is crucial to getting back on your feet.

"We urge those who are worried about their debt problems to seek free confidential advice as soon as possible."