More debt management advice needs to be given to older Britons, according to a new survey.

According to Citizens Advice, there is a gap in financial help provided to the country’s over-50s.

The bureau revealed there is not enough help available for older people who cannot afford to pay for advice on their pensions, investments or mortgages.

Between May 2007 and March 2009, members of the Personal Finance Society saw more than 1,100 clients and dealt with around 2,400 problems.

Many of the people seeking advice were aged over 50 and wanted help on a range of complex problems.

Teresa Perchard, director of policy at Citizens Advice, said the findings showed a "worrying gap" in the availability of financial advice for people who cannot afford to pay for it.

She said: "It does not follow that because someone has a low monthly income that their financial situation is simple. Many of the clients seen by this project have complicated enquiries about their mortgages, pensions or questions about equity release."

Fay Goddard, chief executive of the Personal Finance Society, said people need financial advice now more than ever.

She said: "They need to be able to talk to a person they can trust, someone who can talk to them in language they understand and someone who can provide practical and impartial advice that gives them the confidence to take action."