Feeling the crunch?

Citizens Advice could help you

There are seven Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) in Cumbria, all offering free advice and information on a range of issues, including benefits and welfare rights, consumer issues, employment, legal issues, money and debt. Cumbria County Council commissions a debt/money advice service through Citizens Advice Cumbria, which is a partnership of the seven independent CAB’s in the county. Money and debt problems are rarely isolated, and those seeking advice may be given help, face to face with an advisor or by telephone.

Here are a few recent real life examples of the help that Citizens Advice has given to people in Cumbria:

Repossession
An elderly client and his wife were experiencing financial difficulties that led to the repossession of their home. Citizens Advice helped with their re-housing and was able to assist through the court process and access financial assistance for the couple from the Royal British   Legion. The client is much happier, and now feels he is able to manage his financial affairs more efficient.

Beating bankruptcy
A 25-year-old client had accumulated debts of £20k by living beyond his means. The client had considered bankruptcy but did not want to take this as an ‘easy option’. Citizens Advice was able to help with budgeting, and negotiated with ten different creditors   on the client’s behalf.    The client is now repaying   his debts at a rate of £300   per month, which is what   he can presently afford.

You can find contact details for your nearest Citizens Advice Bureaux in the A to Z guide at the back of this YourCumbria.