Credit card debt levels have been at the centre of concern for some time, and many consumers across the UK have had to deal with spiralling credit card debt issues over the past year. This type of debt has been blamed for a large chunk of the UK’s unsecured debt mountain, and each year many people with high levels of credit card debt find themselves facing repayments difficulties.

This time of year, following the busy and expensive Christmas period, is of particular concern, as many have already spent way more than they could afford on their credit cards, and many are now waiting with bated breath for their credit card bills to arrive.

A senior official from the British Banker’s Association has stated that the number of people set to be struggling with credit card debt over the course of the coming year is set to rise, and that consumers need to take action in order to reduce the chances of becoming the victim of unmanageable credit card debt.

Angela Knight, the Chief Executive of the British Bankers’ Association stated: “For 2008, on an individual basis as well as the UK as a whole, being financially careful has got to be the right thing to do.”

She has suggested that people may wish to consider leaving their credit cards at home when going out to reduce the chances of temptation and frivolous spending, and has added that consumers need to start making cutbacks on their spending and putting more money aside into savings or to pay off debts.

In the meantime there is expected to be a flurry of application for 0% balance transfers from consumers that have run up balances on high interest credit cards over the Christmas period, as well as an influx of enquiries to debt charities and the CAB.