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Almost 10% of all adults in the UK over four and a half million individuals, have seen their debt levels rise over the last six months according to new research from The UK Insolvency Helpline.The UK Insovency Helpline operates the UKs leading free advice resource for families, individuals and small businesses in serious debt.

While most individuals are comfortable with the increase, 57% had factored the rise in borrowings into their outgoings, 41% of those surveyed, amounting to nearly two million adults, were unprepared for slipping deeper into the red.

Redundancy is the key cause of individuals' running into debt problems and the research reveals that the ability to keep personal finances in order is usually lost because of unexpected life changing events, such as loss of earnings. Somewhat surprisingly, the findings show home and education related expenditure also high up on the list.

The UK Insovency Helpline is supported by the credit industry and assists the leading advice agencies across the UK to help people regain control of their finances and work with their creditors to repay their debts.

Larry Anderson, Senior Advisor, The UK Insolvency Helpline, commenting on the research findings, said: "While the majority of individuals feel they have their borrowings under control, nearly two million individuals admit they were taken by surprise when their debts increased. It is vital that these borrowers don't let the situation become problematic by burying their heads in the sand. If they do get concerned about their debts they should get in touch with their lenders at the earliest opportunity, because the earlier debts are dealt with, the easier debts are dealt with.

For those people under financial pressure, free and ready access to sources of impartial money advice is crucial. Many people are in fact choosing to enter into Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs). An IVA is a legally binding agreement, a proposal to creditors to repay a percentage of the debt in a monthly payment over a fixed period of time, usually five years. When people fear the consequences of bankruptcy to their homes, jobs and livelihoods, it is vital that they are aware there is an alternative. With credit easily available, managing debt becomes even more important. When debts become unmanageable, the longer it takes to seek help, the more difficult the problem becomes. For further information call 0800 074 6918 or visit http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk

Reasons for increased rise in debt

1	Redundancy/unemployment	18%
2	Education fees	16%
3	Moved home/new home	12%
4	Home improvements	11%
5=	Arrival of baby	10%
5=	Ill health	10%
7	Increase in spending	9%
8=	Divorce/separation	8%
8=	Car	8%
10	Retirement	2%