Keep control of your debts
CITIZENS Advice Halton is calling on residents to take control of their finances and reduce the risk of worries about debt ruining their family life.
A charity spokesman said that 1,356 people were helped in Runcorn and Widnes last year.
The number equated to a third of all the people which the Halton charity helped in 2015.
Citizens Advice Halton chief executive Hitesh Patel said: “We know that being in debt can put a real strain on people’s family lives but we are here to help.
“We are seeing a lot more people with rent arrears, up 23% compared to the previous year.
“And we have also seen large increases in people with council tax arrears, telephone and utility arrears.
“But the number of people we have helped with in relation to unsecured loans has fallen.
“This is suggesting that some people are ignoring paying the priority bills and thereby putting themselves at risk of being disconnected or evicted and instead paying credit cards and unsecured loans because those companies seem to shout the loudest.”
The debt team at the charity has recently expanded in a bid help even more people in the borough.
Andy O’Neill, debt team leader at Citizens Advice, said: “Many people don’t know that the law changed last October. If Hitesh Patel of CAB you have debts of less than £20,000 and less than £1,000 in assets, you can apply for a Debt Relief Order which is a more affordable way of clearing your debts and getting back on a stable financial footing.
“Our team are fully trained money advisers and we will be able to help you prioritise your debts and chose the best repayment option for you.”
Anyone needing debt advice can call Citizens Advice Halton’s ‘debtline on 0151 257 2449 or email advice@citizensadvicehalton.org.uk