ENQUIRIES about debt at the Citizens Advice Bureaux in the Borders were higher than the national average last year.

Latest statistics reveal there were 4,422 queries on the topic, making up 30 per cent of all enquiries – higher than the 22 per cent national average.

But the most asked about topics were benefits, Tax Credit and National Insurance, with 4,442 enquiries. This made up 31 per cent of all queries, significantly lower than the 41 per cent national average.

And there was 948 questions on employment issues, a similar number to the national picture.

The figures come from the three Bureaux in the region – the Peebles branch, Central Borders branch and Roxburgh and Berwickshire branch.

Rhona Calder, manager of Roxburgh & Berwickshire Bureau, said: "In the Borders we see a whole range of issues just like any other CAB but our clients have the added impact of rural poverty and transport issues to deal with.

"The fact that the Borders CAB deals with more debt compared to the national average shows that rural poverty, combined with lower wages and higher transport costs makes the Borders a difficult place to live for those clients experiencing poverty."