Exeter CAB reports drop in client debt
Exeter Citizens Advice Bureau says average client debt has fallen by £3,000 in the past 12 months.
The charity helped 1032 people directly with advice and information on 2424 individual problems.
On average, clients with money problems had debts totaling £7,334.90, down by £3,182.69 compared to the previous year when the average was £10,517.59
The amount of advice that the charity has been able to provide has increased in the following areas compared to last year:
Welfare benefits
• 131.2% increase in enquiries about pension credit
• 68.4% increase in enquiries about attendance allowance
• 39.7% increase in enquiries about tax credits
• 33.0% increase in enquiries about disability benefits
Debt
• 5.2% increase in enquiries about catalogue and mail order debts
• 30.2% reduction in average client debt amounts (£7,334.90)
• 69.0% reduction in enquires about payday loans
Employment
• 38.0% increase in enquiries about terms and conditions
• 28.5% increase in enquiries about dispute resolution
• 25.0% increase in enquiries about dismissal
Housing
• 100.0% increase in enquiries about owner occupier property
• 50.0% increase in enquiries about housing association property
• 26.6% increase in enquiries about local authority property
Exeter CAB Chief Executive Steve Barriball said: “The reduction in the value of average client debt is very welcomed. As is the decline in payday loan problems following new regulations introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority and enforcement action against lenders. The Government cap on payday loans also appears to be taking effect. However, as the sample size is relatively small, based on just two months, it is difficult to draw any concrete conclusions. We will continue to monitor developments 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 Government to take action to address failings in the benefits system, 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: “Our commitment is always 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.
