Help is at hand for those facing debt problems at Christmas

The demands on families over the festive period is immense. Parents face pester power for the latest games and gadgets and there is a general pressure to purchase presents for loved ones.

For those who are already struggling with their finances, the prospect of spending what you haven't already got, or what you can ill afford to part with, makes Christmas a time for concern rather than celebration.

Of course, the festive season isn't the only time to be worried about spending. Household bills are something we have to fund all year round as well as other general expenditures. It never stops, so for those who aren't able to earn enough to save, the prospect of falling deeper into debt suddenly becomes a reality.

But help is at hand. From January to the end of November this year, Bradford & Airedale Citizens Advice Bureau helped local people deal with a staggering £8,515,215 worth of debt.

The breakdown included: Council Tax - £1,123,000; Personal/unsecured loans - £1,059,000; Credit Cards - £1,017,000; Mortgages and secured loans - £902,000; Rent - £363,000; Gas & electricity - £254,000; Water rates - £158,000 and Catalogue - £155,000.

Compared to the period September to November last year (2015) there was a significant rise in the amount of debt the bureau dealt with. In 2015 they dealt with £2,818,000 and £2,981,000 in 2016 - an increase of £163,000.

Nick Hodgkinson, Debt Advice Service Manager at the Bradford Bureau, says: "This is a wonderful time of year for many people. But it's also expensive. And for some of people, who are 'just about managing', the cost of Christmas can tip them over into debt. For others, already struggling with debt problems, Christmas adds to the pressure."

"We know that times are hard. The cost of living doesn't go down and national government welfare reforms have affected a lot of people - both in work and out of work. So it's important to think carefully before taking out any loans or 'maxing out' the credit card.

Nick asked people to think about 'what is the money for - do you really need it?' "If yes, how much will you end up repaying in total compared to the amount borrowed? Don't just look at how much you will pay per week - what is the overall cost of the loan?"

'Can you afford the repayments?' is another question people should be asking themselves. They should also look around to see if they can get it cheaper somewhere else.

"Everyone wants to enjoy Christmas, but no one wants to find they can't pay the essential bills after the festive season is over. The rent, gas, mortgage, Council Tax, etc still need to be paid," says Nick,

Adding: "We're here to help anyone in Bradford district with any kind of debt problem. Our local Debt Advice Line number is 01274 758047 and it's open Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 4.00. Our advice is free, independent, confidential and reliable. You can help us to help you by finding the letters and papers about all your debts (who you owe and how much), noting down details of your income and making an estimate of your regular expenditure. This will help us to help you when we speak."

Credit Unions can also help those who are struggling by helping them to save. Recent statistics show 46 per cent of British workers are struggling with their finances, whilst 70 per cent have little or no savings at all.

Their purpose is to help people take control of their money by encouraging people to save what they can and borrow only what they can afford to repay.

Bradford and District's Credit Union was set up in 1993 and now has almost 5,000 members who are supported through branches in City Hall and Cheapside, close to The Broadway shopping centre.

Loan sharks is another major issue the organisation is currently dealing with. It has partnered with social landlord, Incommunities and Citizen Advice to secure funding from the England Illegal Money Lending Team.

Through the 'Sharknado' project, the team have been reaching out to families within the community through a series of drop-in sessions, offering a safe place to talk about their festive spending.

The latest session runs from 1 until 4pm tomorrow (December 17) at Sandale Community Hub, 42 to 46 Reevy Road West, Buttershaw. For more information call 01274 257788 or email CRT@Incommunities.co.uk

Ian Brewer, financial inclusion development officer with Bradford District Credit Union, says: "We are seeing more people in more trouble than before and we are finding people are getting more in trouble with essentials. It used to be credit cards and now it is basic stuff, they are behind with their council tax, rent, the staples of life stuff.

"These are people who are struggling with the basics in life."

His advice is for people not to bury their heads in the sand but to seek help as soon as possible."

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