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Debts build as people struggle to make ends meet

4 Rhagfyr 2014

Debts build as people struggle to make ends meet

Citizens Advice reveals top 20 debt hotspots

Denbighshire, Merthyr Tydfil and Stoke on Trent are the top three locations where the highest proportion of the local population has got help from Citizens Advice with a debt problem.

The national debt charity has released data showing the top 20 debt hot spots in England and Wales as it highlights the changing face of debt.

In the last year Citizens Advice helped almost half a million people with debt problems. The charity has published analysis of how the types of debt issues people get help with has changed since the start of the economic crisis. Problems with consumer debt such as credit cards and unsecured personal loans have fallen significantly. In contrast priority debts issues including rent arrears and council tax debt have gone up.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said:

‘Times have changed, and so have people’s debt problems. Consumer debts like credit cards and personal loans have traditionally been the most common debt problems that come through our doors. But now priority debts such as council tax arrears are gradually building up as people struggle to cover everyday costs.

“In the past people were more likely to get help for debt problems triggered by life events such as illness, redundancy or separation. But in recent years more people are being pushed into debt as they struggle to stretch their income to cover everyday living costs.

‘As people find it hard to make ends meet it’s more important than ever that they can access free, impartial advice. Since 1939 Citizens Advice has supported people across England and Wales. We’re ready to help people solve their problems for the next 75 years and beyond.’

The list below is based on an analysis of debt problems reported to Citizens Advice between July and September 2014:

Top 20 debt hotspots

Debt type graph

Notes to editors:

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
  5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.