Calls to money helpline doubles

THE number of people contacting the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) helpline has more than doubled in the past year, with the service expecting to receive 25,000 calls in 2009.

Since the MABS helpline was set up in September 2007, there has been a steady increase in the numbers contacting the service.

However, the past year has seen a massive jump in people contacting MABS seeking help with their finances.