Debt Awareness Week may be over, but it’s something that we need to keep talking about. With the rising cost of living, more residents may be finding themselves faced with financial difficulties they may have not experienced before. It’s important to know that debt can happen to anyone, and you shouldn’t be ashamed or embarrassed for seeking help with a debt problem. If you have a debt issue, the earlier you seek help and advice, the easier it is to deal with your situation.

2023: The Year of the Debt Crisis

In 2022, Citizens Advice helped record numbers of people who couldn’t afford to buy food or turn their heating and power on. 2023 has been even worse so far and we predict it will be the year of the debt crisis. Since the pandemic, the number of people being supported by Citizens Advice services with debt advice has doubled. People are in debt, and record numbers can’t afford to repay their debts. For the first time ever, over half of the people we help with debt advice are in a negative budget, so don't have enough income to cover their essential costs every month. 

You can view our latest cost-of-living data here.

Citizens Advice are calling for 3 policy changes to provide immediate help with the debt and energy situation

• A social tariff on energy bills

• Restoring Local Housing Allowance to the 30th percentile of market rates

• Banning mid-contract price rises in mobile & broadband

You can read Citizens Advice’s full report, ‘Fairer, warmer, cheaper’, produced for Citizens Advice by the Social Market Foundation and Public First, here.

How we can help with your debts

Our advisers are here to help you deal with any debt issues you may be facing. At our debt appointments, we can help you assess your financial situation, check whether you are entitled to any benefits, and look at ways you can maximise your income. We are also able to offer you budgeting advice, and help you deal with any emergencies.

Our advisers don’t tell you what to do, but give you the confidence to make your own decisions around your finances by exploring the potential options and outcomes.

You shouldn’t feel ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help with your debts. Debt can happen to anyone, and the sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to deal with your problem. Even if you don’t see yourself as being in debt, for example you be making all your payments but financially are struggling to cover other important costs, then our money advice can help you get your finances in check so we can make sure you are getting all you need.

Contact us today by filling out our Debt Referral Form, attend our in-person drop-in, or visit our website to find out other ways to get in contact with us.