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More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July Debts called in by parents Teenagers `scared of debt` Rising household costs could pressure people in debt Pensions debt may impact workers` retirement funds Welsh young adults `at highest risk of debt problems` Over 50s can`t afford to enjoy retirement because of debts Budget: tackling the nation`s debt Short-term debt: `no need for price control` The cost of clearing debt Education debt Tackling the national debt Number of mortgage deals on offer exceeds 3,000 Almost 5 million take on debt to pay household bills OECD: household debt more than 120% of disposable income Petrol price falls help people in debt Amount of mortgage debt taken on at lowest level in ten years Northern Ireland sees significant IVA rise Overdraft debt `becoming more expensive`

BT charge hikes `could lead to debt`

30/04/2007

Those who choose to pay their British Telecom (BT) bills by cash or cheque instead of direct debit will pay a £4.50 fee beginning on May 1st, it has been announced.

Additionally, people who do not pay their bills promptly will be subject to a £7.50 charge, up from the previous amount of £5.

Some believe that the hikes could result in more debt for those who are already facing financial problems.

"Unfortunately, instead of rewarding customers who switch to direct debit, BT has elected to penalise those that don`t," commented Karen Darby, founder of price comparison website SimplySwitch.

"This presents a problem to the millions of customers who mistrust the direct debit system or do not hold bank accounts, usually the elderly and vulnerable who can least afford to pay extra."

BT claims it is the oldest communication company in the world, currently operating in 170 countries.

More than 4 million fear they`ll be made redundant 16/12/2010 - According to R3`s quarterly personal debt tracker, more than 4 Consumers took on more mortgage debt in July 26/08/2010 - Consumers took on £2bn more mortgage debt than they repaid Debts called in by parents 26/08/2010 - According to research, `the bank of Mum and Dad` is Teenagers `scared of debt` 19/08/2010 - Nearly two thirds of teenagers are `scared` of debt, according