Denbighshire, Merthyr Tydfil and Stoke on Trent are the top three locations where the highest proportion of the local population has received help from Citizens Advice with a debt problem.

The national debt charity has released data showing the top 20 debt hot spots in England and Wales as it highlights the changing face of debt.

In the last year Citizens Advice helped almost half a million people with debt problems. The charity has published analysis of how the types of debt issues people get help with has changed since the start of the economic crisis. Problems with consumer debt such as credit cards and unsecured personal loans have fallen significantly. In contrast priority debts issues including rent arrears and council tax debt have gone up.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Times have changed, and so have people’s debt problems. Consumer debts like credit cards and personal loans have traditionally been the most common debt problems that come through our doors. But now priority debts such as council tax arrears are gradually building up as people struggle to cover everyday costs.

“In the past people were more likely to get help for debt problems triggered by life events such as illness, redundancy or separation. But in recent years more people are being pushed into debt as they struggle to stretch their income to cover everyday living costs.

“As people find it hard to make ends meet it’s more important than ever that they can access free, impartial advice. Since 1939 Citizens Advice has supported people across England and Wales. We’re ready to help people solve their problems for the next 75 years and beyond.”

The following list is based on an analysis of debt problems reported to Citizens Advice between July and September 2014:

1- Denbighshire
2- Merthyr Tydfil
3- Stoke-on-Trent
4- South Tyneside
5- Darlington
6- Salford
7- Copeland
8- North Tyneside
9- Mendip
10- Liverpool
11- Stevenage
12- Gateshead
13- Middlesbrough
14- Torfaen
15- Northumberland
16- Lincoln
17- Cannock Chase
18- Barrow-in-Furness
19- Hastings