The increase in energy and mortgages costs that have hit the oldest and poorest people the most, have been that powerful they are now affecting well paid professionals according to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS).

This, they say reflects a far more serious situation in the battle with debt as it shows the problem has spread to all households and not just to credit card users and borrowers.

This news follows Gordon Brown's prediction that the year ahead was set to be a financially tough one for people saying that families “are already feeling the pinch with their shopping and fuel bills.”

The PM goes on to say, “My guarantee to the British people is that we will hold on to stability in these latest tough times.”