How to cope with recession

FACING DEBTS

The number of people seeking advice from Citizens Advice bureaux about how to manage their debts surged by a third in the past year.

It's best to confront any debt problems early on.

Experts urge people to be honest about money problems. For starters, you may want to take the BBC's Debt Test and Financial Healthcheck .

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service is also offering the interactive Debt Remedy, an online debt counselling service.

Keep up to date with priority debts, including housing, heating and council tax.

A good place to start is the Citizens Advice website.

Those facing serious financial difficulties could talk to a licensed insolvency practitioner.

There is help available if householders are struggling to pay their utility bills.

Advice groups include the Consumer Credit Counselling Service or the National Debtline.

For up-to-date news and guides on debt issues, you can go to the BBC News website's dedicated section on dealing with debt .