Demand for Debt Advice at Record High

Despite recent indications that the worst of the recession may be behind us there is still huge public demand for assistance with their debt worries and problems.

Here at Citizens Advice, our Dealing with Debt Service continues to be in demand, with the high numbers of clients seeking its help showing no signs of abating. In the six months from April to September of this year this service, which is funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, helped over 1,000 new clients and handled a total figure of debt in excess of £12 million.

Scott Kennerley, the Dealing With Debt Project Manager said today "These figures show the extent of the debt problem in Northern Ireland and that it is not showing any sign of slowing down as we approach our busiest time of the year after the Christmas period"

Among the areas of debt which continue to cause the most concern are mortgage arrears, secured loans and credit cards. Scott warned "Reports from the media suggest that we are emerging from the recession but its effects are still having a damaging impact on the lives of many people across Northern Ireland"

Visit the BBC iplayer at   http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00ntnxp/Good_Morning_Ulster_12_11_2009/  to hear Scott on today's (Thursday 12th November) BBC Radion Ulster programme, discussing these latest debt figures.