Aid workers tackle growing debt problems (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Aid workers tackle growing debt problems

12:00pm Monday 13th February 2012 in News

A Bradford debt crisis charity was bracing itself for its busiest day of the year today with hundreds of hard-pressed people calling for help.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) received more than 1,000 calls last month from people seeking to tackle debts spiralling out of control.

And the charity said this month was set to be even busier with people facing “extreme financial difficulties” because of debts from Christmas, unemployment and the cost of living.

Jo Edwards has been helping people with their finances since the Bradford centre opened two years ago in partnership with The Light Church, in Jermyn Street.

She said: “We see every client in their own home and get to know their situation well. Of all the people we have seen, there is a common thread – the people who have ignored the problems the longest face the most extreme difficulties.”

New research from the charity shows that more clients named “problems with budgeting” as their main reason for getting into debt, followed by “unemployment” and “relationship breakdown”.

Others said illness, bereavement and accident played their part in a downward financial spiral.

Mrs Edwards said: “We are seeing traditional families, single parents, elderly people students and single young people – right across the spectrum.

“People are going without food to try to pay their bills and most have been trying for quite a number of years to get out of debt. I have been working with one family who have been trying to get out of debt for eight years. We have gone back with a budget for them and, if they stick to it, they will be debt- free in three years, nine months.”

CAP helps everyone regardless of age, gender, faith or background.

Statistics show that while 22 per cent of the UK population are considered to be living below the poverty line, for CAP clients across the UK this figure is approaching half.

For more about the free debt counselling on offer from CAP, see capdebthelp.org or call 0800 3280006.