Analysis by the charity of polling undertaken by YouGov found that 161,071 people cited reduce reduced income as a reason for debt, with a further 118,119 people citing loss of job and income completely as a reason.

CAS said the figures showed the cost of living crisis must also be understood as an income crisis for millions of people across the country.

With energy bills and prices in the shops rising, the charity is warning more and more people risk falling into debt.

The figures come as part of CAS’ ‘Debt Happens’ campaign, which seeks to encourage people that they are not alone in facing debt and to seek advice from across the Citizens Advice network.

Jemiel Benison, CAS financial health spokesperson, said: “The cost of living crisis is also fundamentally a crisis of income for people across the country, with hundreds of thousands of people citing reduced or lost income completely as a key reason for debt.

“The end of the furlough scheme will have been a key factor here, as people already faced reduced incomes, and rising prices in the shops and energy bills compound that.

“Debt happens, and people shouldn’t feel alone. It’s nothing to be ashamed of and the important thing is to seek advice quickly so you get the help and support you need.

“The Citizens Advice network can help people in a number of ways, like our online resources such as the public advice site and money map tool. Local CABs are also there to help people.

“Some people will benefit from specialised debt advice which brings their monthly payments down, but for many more getting more money in their pockets in the first place will help.

“Our advice is free, impartial and confidential and we’d encourage anyone who would benefit from advice to seek it as soon as possible. Don’t let the bills and the stress pile up, we’re here to help.”