Many people living in North Herts, Stevenage and Central Bedfordshire are still facing a daily struggle with debt despite the UK’s gradual economic recovery, a debt charity has warned.

Figures released yesterday by StepChange Debt Charity show that 601 people living within the Stevenage postcode area called its helpline for advice in the first half of 2015 with average debts of £11,693.

This left them with a budget deficit every month, meaning they were £4 short of being able to afford even their essential bills.

The figures coincide with the charity’s Navigating the New Normal report which shows that more than one in five Britons are showing at least one sign of financial difficulty and 2.6 million of them are in debt.

StepChange chief executive Mike O’Connor said: “Everyone faces ups and downs in life, but more than 11 million people in Britain are now experiencing some financial difficulty.

“Debt can have a devastating effect on people’s lives, including sleepless nights, anxiety and mental health problems.

“We would urge anyone who is experiencing debt problems to call us for free, impartial debt advice and take that first step as early as they possibly can.”