Debt Help Demand Expected to Rise in Rutland
Citizen's Advice says the cost-of-living pressures is pushing more people into financial trouble
Rutland’s Citizens Advice says more people in the area are expected to need debt help this January, as the cost of living continues to bite and bills stack up after Christmas.
Last year, over four hundred thousand people in England and Wales turned to Citizens Advice for support, with the average debt rising sharply.
Clare Bryan from the charity says the situation can quickly spiral for anyone facing an unexpected cost:
“It can take just one extra bill. Say your cooker breaks or your fridge breaks, you need to replace them and this can just push people over the edge and into a negative budget.
"Once you're living in a negative budget, you're more than likely going to be accruing debt just to survive,” she explains.
Clare is urging anyone worried about money, no matter their situation, not to be afraid to ask for help.
“No matter that stage of recovery. We're here to help. So even if you've ignored some letters or a bailiff’s coming tomorrow, call us. It's never, ever too late to help.”
She says the need for advice is only likely to increase, with costs for goods and bills staying high, and extra spending over Christmas now coming due for many households.
“People think that only those on low incomes or those working part-time can be in debt. Anyone can experience debt. The reality is that many people are in debt due to unexpected life events,” she adds.
Citizens Advice is urging people not to wait if they are struggling to pay for essentials like food or energy, and to get support before things get any worse.