CAB paints gloomy picture (From Wiltshire Times)

CAB paints gloomy picture

10:21am Friday 3rd October 2008

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GLOOMY figures from a citizens advice bureau show how more people in west Wiltshire are being affected by debt and house repossession as the credit crunch worsens.

In the first five months of this financial year West Wiltshire CAB, based in Trowbridge, received 2,211 debt inquires compared to 1,973 for the same period last year..

Mortgage repossession inquires are up by 61 per cent up from last year and council tax inquires have increased by 62 per cent.

Sarah Cardy, bureau manager of the West Wiltshire CAB, said: "People are feeling the squeeze on their basic budgets and something has to give because people still have to pay their council tax, utility bills and mortgages.

"People just aren't able to keep up with their costs and I don't think we've reached the peak of the problem yet."

Ms Cardy highlighted mortgage repayments as the major concern for people during the current economic downturn.

She added: "You find that people with interest only mortgages struggle to pay off their repayments when interest rates rise.

"We have youngsters who are paying over £1,000 a month on interest only mortgages.

"People are also trying to remortgage their homes when they get to the end of their fixed mortgage but because the borrowing market is reducing in size this is becoming increasingly difficult to do.

"The basic advice we can provide is to try and maximise your income by setting a budget for each month and find out whether you are entitled to any state benefits."

There is some good news for those seeking free advice on debts among a host of other issues, with the Wiltshire Advice Partnership, led by the West Wiltshire CAB, being awarded £459,141 from the Big Lottery Fund for a three-year project involving 12 advice agencies across Wiltshire, including Age Concern Wiltshire, Action for Blind People and Alabare Christian Care Centres.

Ms Cardy added: "This funding will enable us to establish and build a strong partnership working between the 12 advice agencies in Wiltshire. This is a new and exciting project and we are very much looking forward to working with our partners in making the service a success."

Mark Cotton, Big Lottery Fund Head of Region for the South West, said: "The most vulnerable people in our society are also the ones least likely to get the right advice at the time they need it.

"Today's funding is crucial as it will pave the way for people to get better access to advice services, to help them understand and resolve problems related to their rights and responsibilities - making a huge difference to the basic conditions of their lives."

If you would like more information and advice on financial matters visit West Wiltshire Wide Citizens Advice Bureau based in Mill Street, Trowbridge, call 0844 499 4106 or visit their website at www.cabwiltshire.org.uk

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