Exeter CAB reports drop in client debts
Local charity Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau has published its advice trend statistics for April 2015. The charity helped 512 people directly with advice and information on 1229 individual problems.
On average, clients with money problems had debts totaling £6,927.80, down by £388.80 compared to the previous year when the average was £7,316.60.
The amount of advice that the charity has been able to provide has increased in the following areas compared to last year:
Welfare benefits
• 250.0% increase in enquiries about pension credit
• 66.6% increase in enquiries about attendance allowance
• 28.5% increase in enquiries about housing benefit
Debt
• 15.0% increase in enquiries about telephone and broadband debts
Employment
• 60.0% increase in enquiries about dismissal
• 10.0% increase in enquiries about terms and conditions of employment
Housing
• 200.0% increase in enquiries about owner occupier property
• 44.4% increase in enquiries about private sector property
• 37.5% increase in enquiries about local authority property
Exeter CAB Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “It is good to see a a drop in the average debt per client. However, as the sample size is small, based on just one month, it is difficult to draw any concrete conclusions or trends at this stage. We will continue to monitor the position over the coming months. It is good news that things continue to look up on the wider economic front. But for many individuals and families the combination of squeezed wages, the impact of welfare reform, and rising childcare costs are all features contributing to other increases in client enquiries.“
Steve continued: “We call on the new Government to take action to address failings in the benefits system, address low pay and the cost of living, provide more security for those in work, and provide additional assistance to those struggling to get on the property ladder; either as property owners or tenants. These figures also raise concerns that pensioners on low incomes and those with care needs are encountering added difficulties.”
Steve finished by saying: “We are committed to continue to provide the advice people need for the problems they face. However, we can only continue to do this if we have the necessary resources and we need to increase public and business donations. Anyone wishing to support our work can donate on-line by going to the Donation Support section of our website (www.exetercab.org.uk)”
Alternatively, donations can be made in person at the new Bureau offices on Dix’s Field in Exeter.
