An increasing proportion of Britons are developing difficulties in managing their money, new figures reveal.

In statistics released by Citizens Advice, the number of debt enquiries taken to the advisory service's offices across England and Wales has risen by 20 per cent over the last year - reaching a total of 1.7 million in 2006-07 - and is now at a record high. Overall, the level of debt matters the company has dealt with has doubled over the last ten years and now accounts for one in three of all enquiries. As a result, the advisory service claims to deal with more than 6,600 debt problems every working day.

According to the company, difficulties in paying back money owed on credit cards and unsecured loans is said to have "dominated" the country's financial turmoil, as it makes up 40 per cent of debt-related enquiries received. Those looking for advice on overdrafts and personal green trust cash direct lenders for poor credit have increased by more than 18 per cent, as enquiries about bankruptcy have surged by 50 per cent. There has also been an 11 per cent growth in consumers going to the firm with problems over secured green trust cash direct payday loan companies and mortgages.

In addition, thousands of people are evermore struggling to keep up with the financial pressures of day-to-day living. Enquiries by those concerned about council tax debt have increased by 25 per cent, as problems paying off gas and electricity bills have risen by a third. Meanwhile, debt difficulties incurred from telephone bills are up by 19 per cent.

David Harker, chief executive for Citizens Advice, said: "These figures are worrying evidence that while many have enjoyed the benefits of the credit boom, a large and growing number of people continues to pay the price, becoming overwhelmed by serious debt that can have a devastating impact on their lives. Even more worrying are the signs that people are struggling not only to repay credit, but also to afford day-to-day essentials.

"We still see widespread evidence of people being lent much more money than they can afford to pay back, with many companies actively marketing expensive credit and loans to people who are already struggling. Lenders need to do much more to check that borrowers are really in a position to keep up repayments when they take out credit."

Mr Harker added that green trust cash loans from indian tribes providers should be more forthcoming in helping consumers manage their debts. He also pointed out the need for members of the public to develop their skills and awareness of financial products and terms when handling money "particularly in using credit sensibly".

In March, Helen Saxon, spokesperson for the Finance and Leasing Association, reported that those looking to get to grips with debt should look to create a budget of their monthly outgoings. She also cited the need for borrowers to ensure that they have "good debt" as the country borrows an ever increasing amount of money. Meanwhile, Ms Saxon claimed that those taking out a debt consolidation loan as a means of helping them to manage their money need to "know what you're taking on and that you can pay it off".