Citizens Advice Bradford call for urgent action over cost-of-living crisis

February saw the advice charity hit its highest ever number of requests for help in the local branch’s history – and month on month the number has kept on rising.

It’s the triple-whammy of soaring energy bills, as well as fuel and food prices, that means some who had been managing to keep afloat, are now struggling.

Razina Bostan, generalist services manager at Citizens Advice Bradford and Airedale, told the Telegraph & Argus, they were calling for urgent action now.

She said: “For many in Bradford who have lived on or below the poverty line for many years in deprived areas and poor housing the cost of living is a further blow and daily life is struggle for basic human needs.

“For many others who have managed thus far the prospect of rising costs of food, fuel and other expenses is creating uncertainty and great fear.”

She added that at the start of the pandemic, it was recognised as a crisis, furlough was set up, everyone rallied round, there were more foodbanks and food schemes sprang up everywhere.

Citizens Advice

“But we saw the largest number of people contact us in our entire history this year - in February, and that’s down to the cost-of-living crisis. It has gone up every month since as well.

“In Bradford, there are many who have lived on or below the poverty line for many years – we already know there is a high level of deprivation here.

“We also know that the many foodbanks in the district are busier than ever and are running out of basics.”

Ms Bostan added that what they had seen recently was the range of people in need of Citizens Advice help change.

“It used to be those on low incomes, but now those on middle incomes are contacting us too. People who were just about coping, but now they don’t have enough to cover their basic needs and they are struggling.

“For example, with petrol prices there are people who can’t afford the travel costs to get to work. Or those that are going without one meal a day as a way of cutting back because they can’t afford to buy lunch anymore.

“We are simply dreading the avalanche that is to come in the autumn with the forthcoming increase in the energy price cap and the effect that will have on people across the district.

“In a way what we are seeing is akin to a humanitarian crisis. These are the basics – enough food to eat, a roof over your head, and being able to get to and from work I order to earn a living.”

“We are pleading for urgent action to be taken to stop this unprecedented crisis from spiralling out of control.”

For anyone needing help, please visit citizensadvice.org.uk/local/bradford-airedale/ or call Citizens Advice Bradford & Airedale and Bradford Law Centre on 08082 787828 but be aware the helpline is very busy at the moment so people are urged to be patient.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, or WhatsApp us on 07720403052.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.