Cost of living crisis forcing people to live on the edge, warns Newbury debt charity

A Newbury debt charity has warned that people on the lowest incomes are living on the edge.

A new report by Christians Against Poverty (CAP) says the cost of living crisis is crushing those on low incomes.

Households are facing increasingly squeezed budgets after energy bills rose by an average of around 54 per cent in April, while filling up an average family car now costs more than £100.

Inflation is predicted to rise to 11 per cent this year, and the energy price cap is expected to be lifted again considerably in October.

The report by the debt-help charity reveals that its new clients in the South East have a peak debt of over £17,000 and are being trapped in debt.

It adds that without free debt help, it would take on average 35 years for a South East household to repay their debts.

CAP’s Newbury Debt Centre is based in Bridge Church and St Nicolas Church and has been offering free debt-help, along with emotional and practical support, to people across West Berkshire over the past three years.

The centre’s manager, Lisa John, said the strain on budgets for low income households was “relentless”, with the added anxiety of future rises in living costs.

She said: “This report shows the reality of the situation for many people.

“The cost of living crisis is leaving many families on unsustainable budgets, with little or nothing left over after covering their basic living costs.

“People are aware that they could suddenly be plunged into large amounts of debt, and they’re scared.”

The report also finds that an increased number of people are suffering from depression compared to last year, and more are also experiencing anxiety or panic attacks.

Ms John continued: “The detrimental impact that these kinds of debts have are significant.

“Most concerningly, the percentage of our clients who tell us they’ve attempted or considered suicide, as a way out of their debt, has risen as well from last year from 28 per cent to 36 per cent.

“This is heart-breaking, and doesn’t have to be the case – help is available.”

Serious illness led CAP client Nick (not his real name) to leave his paid semi-pro sporting star lifestyle, into unemployment and debt.

He said: “I had a brain tumour which was removed, but I lost my mother during that time.

“I now suffer from terminal Crohn’s disease.

“Previously I had always worked very hard and had everything under control, but I got to the point where I couldn’t even pick up a can of beans or turn on the kettle.

“I was suffering badly from depression and became suicidal.”

Nick said getting help from the charity had made “such a difference”.

He added: “If I had carried on as before, I probably wouldn’t be here now.

“I couldn’t see a way out.

“These people will not judge you, they’re just there to help you.”

Ms John encouraged people suffering from debt issues to contact charities like CAP on Freephone 0800 3280006 or to visit the CAP website.