MORE people in Slough are saddled with debt and can only just meet their living costs, new figures have revealed.

A total of 831 people from the Slough postcode area contacted StepChange Debt Charity in 2014, compared to 748 in 2013 - a rise of 11.1%.

Figures, released on Wednesday, also showed the average person owed £12,809 in unsecured debt - which is a loan not backed by an underlying asset such as credit card debt and utility bills.

The average person had £81 left to put towards their debts after covering essential household bills each month, although household budgets are an average of £45 better off than the previous year.

Mike O’Connor, chief executive of StepChange Debt Charity, said: “More and more families in the Slough 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.” The figures were released as part of the charity’s debt awareness week 7 Days, 7 Ways campaign, aimed at helping people to get control of their finances.