THE post-Christmas period is a bad time for debt. To a greater or lesser extent, most of us will have given those plastic cards a hammering during the festive period and will now - theoretically, at least - be paying the price.

It's very easy to slip into sanctimonious mode when discussing such issues. However, regardless of what the more righteous among us may say, consumer debt remains a vital cog in the commercial machine.

Nevertheless, a day of reckoning always arrives - and occasionally, the knock-on effect of overspending can be very severe indeed. The worst scenario situation is where someone is so hopeless at organising their finances that they lose their home. The Worcester families evicted because of spiralling rent arrears are sad examples of such measures.

There are two reasons why people fail to meet their responsibilities. One is refusal to pay, the other inability to pay. But while the former is inexcusable, the latter can possibly be remedied.

This newspaper therefore applauds the steps that Worcester Community Housing has taken to assist people who find themselves in trouble. The "rent first" campaign is a velvet glove that will, hopefully, persuade tenants to prioritise their spending.

We believe it is right that this organisation is taking steps to avoid the ultimate sanction - for apart from other considerations, people who are evicted will only be a further drain on the taxpayer. The best policy is for all of us to live within our means wherever possible.