CAB urge people 'not to bury their head in the sand' over debt
PEOPLE who are likely to get into debt are being urged by Lisburn Citizens Advice Bureau to get in contact before their problems grow. With the recession still biting and cutbacks in public spending on the way later this year, Lisburn CAB manager John Maxwell said people should not "bury their head in the sand."
"The three main reasons why someone is in debt are job loss, illness or a break up in a relationship. If someone knows that they are losing their job or they are going through a break up contact us before they find themselves in debt. It is not easy to speak to a stranger about your debt and many see us unfortunately as the last resort when we should be the first port of call.
"We will help anyone who comes to us and everything will be dealt with in the strictest of confidence."
Speaking at the Bureau's AGM he said they had received enquiries about debt totalling 4.5m last year and dealt with 300 new clients.
The office now has a client list of 600 and is dealing with up to eight people a week who have money problems.
The CAB is Lisburn is also dealing with at least five appeals per week from people being denied benefit - a figure which they fear will double because of government proposals to re-assess those on Disability Living Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.
At the recent AGM CAB manager John Maxwell warned this would increase the already heavy workload of staff and volunteers.
"Being denied benefit means a reduction in income and the almost certainty of getting into debt" he said. "Combine this with a downturn in employment and it is plain that Bureaux will be hard pushed to cope with the demand for our services.
"It is important therefore that our funding remains at a consistent level in order that we can operate effectively and offer our clients the best possible assistance."
Deputy Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, who attended the AGM. said: "It was a great pleasure to be part of the AGM proceedings and learn more about the valuable work the branch carries out, especially in this difficult economic climate. I was also pleased to see The Commissioner for Children and Young People, Patricia Lewsley, attending.
"I would like to thank the charity on their excellent service in the Lisburn area and hope that they continue to add value to our local community."
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Weather for Lisburn
Monday 21 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 9 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
