Record surge in callers to National Debt Helpline amid rising living costs
The National Debt Helpline received over 183,000 contacts in the 2025-26 year, a 9% rise, with roughly 40% of callers being employed.
In the 2025-26 financial year, the National Debt Helpline logged a record 183,000 inquiries, marking a 9% increase over the previous year. About four in ten callers were employed, challenging the notion that a job ensures financial security. The service saw a sharp uptick after the Iran war sparked higher petrol and diesel prices, which rippled through everyday expenses.
Financial counsellors, including Peter Gantley, highlighted cases such as a single parent burdened by utility bills, a former entrepreneur with tax liabilities, and a health-care worker facing mortgage arrears due to mental-health-related work stoppage. The helpline offers free, confidential assistance to develop repayment plans, negotiate with creditors, and access grants, without charging fees. Coordinator Vicki Staff stressed that help is available to anyone struggling with the rising cost of living.
Why it matters
Rising debt pressures affect a broad cross-section of the population, signalling deeper economic strain.
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