CAB launches new debt fact sheets

Citizens Advice today launched a series of 'Dealing with Debt' self help fact sheets at the Ulster Museum. 

The DETI funded 'Dealing with Debt' service has helped over 2,500 clients with over £33million of debt during the year April 2009-March 2010.  This is an increase of 7% on the previous year and continues the four-year upward trend since the service began.

The increase in demand for debt advice, the impact of the recession and an increase of 42% to 3,333 in redundancy enquiries has meant that more people are now seeking advice and information on their debt situation.

Citizens Advice has responded to this by producing a portfolio of fact sheets covering a range of debt issues which people can access on the Citizens Advice website.  The production of these fact sheets has been made possible through the funding and support of the DETI.

Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice said: "These fact sheets aim to help those people how just want simple to read information on a range of topics which include bankruptcy, rent arrears and enforcing a debt as well as useful resources such as budget sheets and sample letters.  The fact sheets have been designed to be printed off or simply viewed on the Citizens Advice website.  The demand for debt advice services has increased year on year and these fact sheets will help Citizens Advice meet the needs of those clients who use the internet to seek information and advice."

The fact sheets are available for download at http://www.citizensadvice.co.uk/en/Publications/Money-Advice/Self-Help-Material/

John Hinds, DETI with Derek Alcorn and Scott Kennerley from Citizens Advice at the launch of the debt self help fact sheets in the Ulster Museum