Exeter CAB:More people struggling

More people are struggling to pay their rents and bills according to the latest figures reported by Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau today.

The local charity’s advice trend statistics for January 2014 published today show that they are recording more than 50% more problems with local authority rent arrears than in the previous year.

There was an even sharper increase in the numbers of problems with housing association rent arrears which rose by over 65%.

Exeter CAB Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “Positive economic news is welcome, as are predictions that the economy is leaving one of its darkest periods.

“However, our latest figures suggest that many people are still struggling to pay their rent, Council Tax and day to day expenditure, with some having to resort to debt relief orders or even bankruptcy.”

The local charity which helped more than 3888 clients with advice since last April also reported problems with council tax increased by over 50% on last year.

This increase comes despite little change in the council tax over recent years as local councils opted to take a government grant in exchange for freezing their charges.

However the pressure is now likely to increase as Devon County Council last week decided to increase its portion of the council tax charge for the first time in four years.

The Council has said the decision was made to preserve services as they make a further budget cuts of £110 million over the next three years.

Steve continued: “We must not forget the impact that the increased cost of living and low wages are having. Many households do not recognise the reports of the economic recovery. At present, low interest rates have helped some people with mortgages.

“However, recent reports suggest that we are getting closer to interest rate rises. If this happens, it is likely to hit first time buyers, who have benefitted from low mortgage interest rates, hard.”

Steve finished by saying: “We are committed to provide the advice people need for the problems they face. However, we can only continue to do this if the bureau has the necessary resources and we need to increase public and business donations to that end.

“Anyone wishing to support our work can donate on-line by going to the Donation Support section of our website (www.exetercab.org.uk)”