The CAB said it had at least 10 enquiries in the past week from people with money concerns as the island's income tax payment deadline approached.

The deadline is 1700 GMT on Friday, with a 10% surcharge on late payments.

The income tax office said people who had any payment problems should contact its help desk for assistance.

CAB Manager Francis Le Gresley said he was told that only serious illness or recent unemployment would be considered for exemptions from paying the surcharge.

Mr Le Gresley said if people could not afford their tax bills, then they needed to try and pay back the extra money as soon as possible.

Island Comptroller of Income Tax Malcolm Campbell said if people had difficulties settling their tax on time for any reason they should contact the office's help desk for assistance.