IT IS the most financially testing time of the year – and now many families across Basingstoke and Deane will be counting the cost of the Christmas period this year.

From buying presents and food, to keeping your home warm, it is important to ensure that you and your family don’t get into debt as the new year gets under way.

But with a mounting stack of bills, which ones do you pay first?

Graham Hatcher, chief executive of Basingstoke Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) branch, said: “If people get illnesses or lose their job, they can quickly get into trouble, and if they don’t pay their priority debts, it is a very serious situation where they could lose their homes or go to prison.”

Priority debts include rent, mortgages and utility bills such as water charges and electricity and gas bills.

Catherine Brooks, training support officer at CAB, said the earlier that people acknowledge they are having financial problems, the quicker it can be sorted.

She told The Gazette: “Try and check it quickly. What people tend to do is put their head in the sand. If you get a parking ticket for £30, that could rise to £300 in three months.”

With the winter period set to last for a couple more months, keeping your home warm can prove to be a costly exercise.

Catherine carries out a lot of research work around energy bills and helps people to see if they are eligible for discounts and grants from the Government.

She added: “We are making people aware that they might be entitled to warm home discount which means you can get a £140 rebate for your energy bills. If you are on a low income, you may also be eligible.”

For people who are worried about money troubles, support from the CAB is available by calling 03444 111 306, or by visiting basingstokeandtadleycab.co.uk.

The Citizens Advice Bureau is a local charity and is manned by volunteers. To volunteer, or to donate money, visit the website.