Redundancy inquiries to the Citizens' Advice Bureau in West Sussex went up 120% in the last financial year.
Figures from the Citizens' Advice Bureau (CAB) have shown an increase in overall debt inquiries, which have gone up by 15% between 2007/08 to 2008/09.
The first three quarters of 2008 and 2009 have also shown an increase in fuel poverty inquires of 13%.
Jobseekers Allowance inquiries have gone up by 52%, mortgage arrears by 71% and Council Tax arrears inquiries by 19%.
West Sussex County Council has given West Sussex CABs £100,000 of additional financial support to help people who need debt counselling.
The funding forms part of the Keep West Sussex Working initiative and the council has drawn up a £500,000 package of measures following meetings with business leaders.
Other initiatives include £80,000 funding for Business Link Sussex to provide up to 240 business improvement reviews and support advice for West Sussex businesses, and £15,000 funding for West Sussex libraries to provide IT training and support along with an increased range of books on employment and business to help guide people through the downturn.
For more information go to www.westsussex.gov.uk.
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