Debt charity the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) reports that nearly 50,000 people logged onto its website between midnight and 7.00am last year, after having a panic attack about their debt.

According to CCCS problems that can be buried in activity during the day can surface at night. The service asks people to enter their income and expenditure and then gives advice, which can include declaring bankruptcy. According to a study by the Post Office one in three debtors hide their problems from their families so night-time counselling online is something that can be hidden.

The website moneysupermarket.com has found that most do not seek help about their debt until it reaches nearly £20,000 (excluding the mortgage) although women start worrying at £7,000, men at £12,000. The average Briton has debts of around £8,400