Exeter CAB reports increase in average client debt
Local charity Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau today publishes its latest advice trend statistics which show that so far this financial year it has helped 4,976 people directly with advice and information.
On average, clients with debt problems had debts totaling £15,685.79, up by £2,488.38 on the same period the previous year.
The amount of advice that the charity has been able to provide has increased in the following areas compared to the same period last year:
Welfare benefits
• 28.2% increase in enquires about council tax benefit/local support
• 24.8% increase in enquiries about tax credits
• 12.6% increase in enquires about housing benefit
Debt
• 23.7% increase in enquires about payday loans
• 9.5% increase in enquires about mortgage arrears
• 9.2% increase in enquires about telephone and broadband debts
Employment
• 75.7% increase in enquiries about pay and entitlements
• 45.3% increase in enquires about terms and conditions of employment
• 15.6% increase in enquiries about dismissal
Housing
• 143.4% increase in enquiries about owner occupier property
• 52.9% increase in enquires about housing association property
• 48.5% increase in enquires about private sector property
Exeter CAB Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “This is a worrying upward trend in the average debt per client, up by almost £2,500 on the same period last year. It is good news that things are looking up on the wider economic front and that we are seeing some drop off in energy costs. 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 the increased debt levels.“
Steve continued: “Moreover, good news on the jobs front in terms of falling unemployment is very welcomed. However, these figures suggest that working people still have serious concerns over job security and terms and conditions of employment.”
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”
Alternatively, donations can be made in person at the new Bureau offices on Dix’s Field in Exeter.
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