There is no hiding from the ever-increasing price of living in the UK. Paul from London said “ I was forced to take-out an IVA last month, due to the rise in Utilities and my ever accumulative debt, I did ponder Bankruptcy, but the IVA route seemed far more attractive”

British Gas has increased their prices by 15% in 2008 due to higher wholesale energy prices. Other Gas companies have decided not to increase their prices until the summer (when we are less likely to notice it).

Council tax bills in England are set to rise by 3.9% in April 2008. This is actually the lowest increase in 14 years, but still above inflation.

Of course there is the continued increase of Alcohol. Tina from Newcastle states; “ I read in the newspaper last week that Tesco are urging the Government to increase the price of alcohol, due to teenagers binge drinking on cheap booze on the weekend.”

Inflation is running at 2.2%, according to the consumer price index, the government's preferred measure. But the retail price index, another measure, puts inflation at 4.1%.

If you feel like debt is getting on top of you, and would rather not go down the bankruptcy route, speak to an IVA specialist and they will give you free, independent advice.