‘The pressure hasn’t eased’: why thousands sought help from Leeds debt charity even on Christmas Day
Nearly 100,000 people have turned to Leeds-based debt charity StepChange for support since the start of this year.
The charity recorded its busiest day of the year in more than a year on the first Monday of 2026 with 800 clients asking for debt advice.
For some people, money worries intensified over Christmas, with nearly 4,000 people visiting StepChange’s website on Christmas Day.
A survey commissioned by StepChange shows two-fifths (40 per cent) of people expect their financial situation to worsen over the next 12 months.
The charity said that it tends to see an increase in people seeking free debt advice in January.
Vikki Brownridge, CEO at StepChange, said: “Across the UK, many people are still feeling the pressure of rising living costs, from everyday essentials to stubbornly high energy bills.
“We also know that it’s common for people to feel worried about their finances after the festive season is over, particularly if they’ve relied on credit or stretched their budget to cover costs.
“As we head into 2026, more people are reporting worries about how they’ll manage their money compared with this time last year – a clear sign that the financial pressures households face are far from temporary.
“We know from over 30 years of providing free debt advice that taking early, practical steps can make a real difference to your situation. If you’re finding it harder to keep up with bills or credit commitments, it’s important to talk to your creditors as soon as possible.
“They have a responsibility to support you if you’re in financial difficulty, and reaching out early can open the door to options that ease the pressure.”
The charity suggested setting a realistic budget and looking through recent statements for subscriptions or direct debits which are no longer used.
StepChange has a free benefits calculator to help people identify any additional income you could claim in the short term, which may make it easier to tackle debts faster.
It also urged people who are struggling to seek free, impartial support.