Speaking at the launch of the Debt Handbook are: Derek Alcorn, Citizens Advice, Paul Thompson, Ulster Bank, Alayne Kinver, Citizens Advice and David McNarry, MLA, Deputy Chairperson of Finance and Personnel Committee
Citizens Advice launched A Debt Handbook for Advisers in Northern Ireland in the Long Gallery in Stormont today. The Debt Handbook has been produced with financial support from the Ulster Bank and contains a range of essential information for debt advisers.
David McNarry, MLA, Deputy Chairperson of the Finance and Personnel Committee, Simon Hamilton, MLA, Chair of the Social Development Committee chatting to Derek Alcorn from Citizens Advice at the launch of the Debt Handbook
David McNarry, Deputy Chairperson of the Department of Finance and Personnel Committee said at the event:
"I am an unashamed supporter of CAB. The figures from CAB showing increases in debt enquiries of 7% on the previous year and this is a "stop and take notice". It is important to recognise how critical it is for people to be able to access debt advice - to be able to know that there is someone out there that can help them. This is very important."
He continued: "Government should be willingly paying for debt advice to be given where Government is unable to provide it. The DETI contract for debt advice has been very valuable. It is now up for renewal, let me add my voice to those already urging the renewal of this contract. In my opinion it is worth renewing and needs to be processed now. This is going to be a hard sell but it is a priority which can be afforded at a small cost. In relation to the funding you need it, you deserve it."
CAB Money Advisers attending the launch of the Debt Handbook: Rose Edge, Antrim CAB, Kevin Lawrenson, Fermanagh CAB, Jenni Archer, Causeway CAB, Glynis Long, Carrickfergus CAB and Claire Greene, Belfast CAB
Attendees at the event also heard from a client of the Dealing with Debt service provided by CAB. She told delegates how much she valued the help she received from her CAB money adviser and how this had made such a difference to her life.
CAB Money Advisers attending the launch of the debt handbook are: Jacqui McKerracher, Belfast CAB, Anne Marie Carmichael, Goretti Drummy, Banbridge CAB, Sam Walker, Craigavon District CAB, Phil McGarry, Belfast CAB and Liam Doran, L'Derry CAB
Derek Alcorn, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice has called on the Northern Ireland Assembly to bring forward an integrated strategy on debt: "We believe that the Northern Ireland Assembly could now usefully consider an integrated strategy on debt which would begin in schools and which would equip the public with the necessary skills to deal with financial issues. The finance industry in Northern Ireland has much to contribute to such a strategy and should follow the example of the Ulster Bank in making available the finance to bring such a strategy to fruition."
Attending the launch of the debt handbook are Paul Thompson, Ulster Bank, Rachael Cray, Beat the Recession Project, Simon Hamilton MLA, Chair of Social Development Committee, Alayne Kinver, Citizens Advice, Declan O'Loan, MLA and David McNarry MLA, Deputy Chairperson of Finance and Personnel Committee