Last updated at 16:47, Tuesday, 05 March 2013

FAMILIES in Barrow were forced to seek help while struggling with debts totalling almost £3.7m, new figures have revealed.

Between October 2011 and September of last year, the Barrow Citizens’ Advice Bureau dealt with 377 cases as part of its money and debt advice service.

The total figure of the debt in these cases, that were closed during the period, amounts to over £3.66m and is made up of 1,149 separate debts.

Specialist casework was required in 233 cases, representing a total of £2.34m worth of debt.

The figures have been revealed in a report ahead of Friday’s local committee for Barrow, which meets at Barrow fire station at 10.15am.

The council’s cabinet has committed to extending the contract it has with the Barrow CAB by two years from April, with £57,000 of funding provided every year.

Chairman of the local committee, Councillor Ray Guselli, said the service was needed more than ever.

He said: “Their work has always been valued but never more so than now.

“The levels of debt remain a concern but hopefully, more people may now look to our excellent credit union to help save and finance needs.

“But while some might avail themselves of this service, others who are already in trouble come to the CAB.

“The welfare reforms, while containing many essential changes, do not properly consider need, special circumstances or housing stock and will unfairly impact upon many who are the most vulnerable.

“The CAB may well be the safety net for these people who, if affected by changes, may find finances even more difficult to manage.”

Cllr Guselli said the amount of people who were pleased with how the service had helped them demonstrated how well the CAB was performing.

The report reveals the CAB exceeded its contract requirement by 94 per cent and that all 64 people who answered questionnaires were very satisfied with the help they had received.

Eighty-six per cent of people questioned said the service had improved their situation.

First published at 16:35, Tuesday, 05 March 2013
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk