DEBT is as big a problem for society as alcohol or drugs, the chairman of Wyre Forest CAB has claimed in the organisation's annual report.

It was the biggest headache facing people turning for advice to the district's CAB, John Gordon, said in his review of the year's activities.

"Debt is by far the problem that takes up most of CAB's time and resources," he explained.

"We all read about the amount of debt we, as a nation, owe collectively but what many of us do not realise is the abject misery that uncontrolled debt can wreak on individuals and families.

"This problem is becoming as much a concern to society as alcohol or drugs, inasmuch as the effects have far-reaching tentacles, not only to the households concerned but, often, to the extended families as the tensions created spill over into their lives as well.

"Health suffers, relationships fall apart, people can lose their way and prospects are snuffed out as despair replaces hope."

Mr Gordon added the CAB was channelling increasing resources to deal with the specific issue of debt.

In his review, he also stressed CAB offered its advice free of charge, "unlike those companies that advertise on television, offering to consolidate people's debts into one, with extortionate terms and conditions".

He described it as "lamentable" that there was "no real regulation of this vital area of work".

The report was presented to people attending the annual meeting of Wyre Forest CAB at the Odell Centre in Kidderminster last night.

NEARLY 200 people ran up debts totalling nearly £3.4 million during the past year in Wyre Forest, the district's CAB has revealed.

The average debt worked out at £17,041.58 for each of the 197 people who sought the help of the CAB.

Of the total debts, £3.2 million was for what the organisation described as "non-priority" debts, such as credit cards, catalogues and unsecured loans.

In the CAB's annual report it was explained the majority of clients needed assistance with multiple debts across all fields, with "a significant number" resulting in bankruptcy applications, rather than offers to creditors.

The CAB assisted with 32 bankruptcy applications during the year, a "marked increase" on the previous year.

Clients' money troubles also affected their health.

More than 200 bankruptcy applications were presented at Kidderminster County Court over the year, up by a third -33 per cent - for the court and almost three-quarters - 72 per cent - under the contract the CAB has with the Legal Services Commission.

That was partly attributed to the impact of the Enterprise Act in 2004, when, for most people, the bankruptcy discharge period was reduced to a year from the date of the order.

Debts in cases where people applied for bankruptcy ranged from £5,000 to £175,000, with applicants ranging from 23 to 71 in age.

Money advice worker, Jenny Oliver, said in the annual report: "We often hear that debt is a problem surrounding the younger generations living on credit cards.

"It has, however, become obvious from our client group that debt affects all age bands."

WYRE Forest CAB received £129,654 in grants during the year ending March 31, 2006.

Total receipts, boosted by donations and fund-raising, amounted to £134,157. Most of that - £133,733 - went out in payments. The largest outgoing was management and administration.

The majority of people connected with the district's CAB are volunteers. Out of 51 staff and board members, nine are paid.

A TOTAL of 12,653 inquiries were made to Wyre Forest CAB over the past year, with almost half - 44 per cent - of the monthly average of 465 regarding debt.

Benefit advice was next most sought after, with an average of 195 each month - 18 per cent.

Employment and housing issues made up seven per cent and 5.5 per cent, respectively.

The main bureau office of Wyre Forest CAB, at 21-23 New Road, Kidderminster is open between 10am and 4pm on Mondays and Thursdays and 10am until 1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Its satellite office at Bewdley Medical Centre is open from 2pm to 4pm on Fridays.

Stourport clients can call in at the Indoor Market, Lombard Street, Stourport, between 10am and 2pm on Tuesdays. An advice line - 01562 823953 - is available from 10am to 1pm on Mondays, 4pm to 6pm on Tuesdays and 10am until 1pm on Thursdays.