Debt woes for thousands at local CAB

In fact, debt management or benefit concerns are now the cause over 60 per cent of cases being brought to the attention of staff at the CAB and in 39 instances the organisation represented their clients in a subsequent court case.

Over the course of the last 12 months around 6,800 consumers have approached the CAB for debt advice, reports the Witney and West Oxfordshire Gazette.

“Many of these debts relate to everyday living expenses, such as fuel and housing costs,” Barbara Shaw, the CAB’s office manager is quoted as saying.

“The increase in fuel debt problems reflects recent rises in prices and people’s difficulties, particularly those over pension age, in keeping up payments.”

Across the UK, Citizens Advice was contacted by more than 1.4 million people in search of a debt solution during 2006, according to the organisation’s own figures.