Increasing numbers of people in Watford are struggling with debt and are only just able to meet their living costs, according to new figures released today by StepChange Debt Charity.

During 2014, the charity’s helpline was contacted by 625 people from the Watford postcode area, compared to 537 in 2013, a rise of 16 per cent.

Household budgets have shown slight signs of improvement, with those contacting the charity from the Watford area an average of £58 better off than the previous year.

Still, the average person had only £74 left to put towards their debts after covering their essential household bills each month.

The average person owed £13,589 in unsecured debt such as credit cards, personal loans and overdrafts.