RESIDENTS needing support with debt management have given the thumbs-up to a Staffordshire service supported by the county council.
An advice line run by the Citizen’s Advice Bureau gives people with debt issues the opportunity to talk to trained advisors. And 94 per cent of of users who responded to a satisfaction survey said they were either very happy or happy with the advice line.
Staffordshire County Council provides £230,000 a year towards the county-wide service as part of a four-year agreement.
Users said the advice they received helped them to plan and manage their finances better, enabled them to make regular payments and avoid resorting to unscrupulous or illegal money lenders.
Cabinet member for communities Councillor Pat Corfield said: “Helping people in Staffordshire to avoid debt and all of its associated problems is a concern for all of us. It’s enabling people to lead happy and more prosperous lives and we are happy to be able to support the service. This is an investment in the local economy, meaning people can manage their finances and avoid future problems which may lead to a reliance on other services.
“In addition, we are preventing criminals and unscrupulous money lenders from targeting people who may become desperate enough to turn to them.
“The response from those using the service is really encouraging and shows it is making a difference.”
