Citizens Advice warns government not to overlook those struggling ahead of Budget
The Chancellor will reveal the budget later today
A Suffolk Citizens Advice manager says many households are still in crisis as the cost of living continues to hit low-income families, ahead of next week’s Budget.
Nelleke van Helfteren, Communications Manager at Citizens Advice Ipswich, said the charity is “really concerned that the government pays attention to the people who are finding everyday life a struggle”.
She said: “The cost of living crisis has not gone away and we’re really concerned that these people need help to make sure they can get from one month to the next.”
Rising demand for benefits and housing help
Ms van Helfteren said Citizens Advice is seeing a growing number of people seeking support with benefits and debt issues, including energy and housing costs.
She said: “Benefits and debt advice, which includes energy costs as well as housing costs, continue to be high-need areas. Housing issues have really risen and we now have people coming to us with problems around the state of the accommodation… and also how to heat their homes.”
She added that some clients are struggling to navigate online systems or complex forms, particularly with Universal Credit.
“Many clients find it very difficult to deal with the issues that they have to in society, either online or by telephone,” she said. “It’s very difficult when you can’t go and find a person who can explain it to you.”
She warned that the lack of face-to-face support can put some people at risk.
“Some people don’t have bank accounts… If you have it paid into somebody else’s account, you have to trust that person to actually give you the money,” she said.
“If people can’t read forms or understand what’s asked of them… they’re at risk of being conned out of money. I’m not saying this happens a lot, but it’s definitely a risk.”
Calls for urgent Budget action
Citizens Advice is calling on the Treasury to prioritise low-income families when delivering next week’s Budget.
Ms van Helfteren said the charity wants the government to:
Scrap the two-child limit on benefits, which she described as “the most effective way of lifting families out of poverty”.
Reduce the waiting time for a first benefits payment, saying this forces people into debt.
Tackle housing unaffordability, with rents and bills rising faster than wages and benefits.
Bring down energy and water bills, which she said is essential to keeping people “warm, healthy” and able to maintain “a bearable life”.
She said: “The government needs to take some action to make sure that people can keep their houses warm, keep themselves healthy and make sure that they have a bearable life.”