CITIZENS ADVICE - Debt help is still available

Working in these unprecedented times, Citizens Advice are aware that the coronavirus outbreak is having a financial impact on so many people, not just their core clients but also people who may never have had financial problems before but are now possibly facing redundancy or have already lost their jobs.

Surprisingly, they have seen a reduction of clients seeking debt advice. This may be due to the fact that clients are unable to see advisers for face to face appointments but Citizens Advice believe a significant factor is likely to be because the government stepped in to provide a halt on, for example, repossessions and bailiff enforcement of debts. These measures are only temporary and whilst welcome, they did not extinguish the debts. Unless extended, they are due to come to an end on 23 August.

Citizens Advice are trying to encourage people to seek help sooner rather than later with their debts and arrears, rather than to leave it until restrictions on enforcement are eased. To that end, they have produced a leaflet inviting people to get in touch by email or telephone to seek help. They want to get the message across to people that the sooner they address their debts, the easier they will be to resolve.

Please take a look at the details and, if you need some advice or guidance, please do get in touch with them