The winter debt crisis

Winter can be a difficult season for many people and we are about to enter a tough period for many who have been affected by the pandemic in the last couple of years. Debt is at an all-time high due to the pandemic. Claimants received an extra £20 per week during the height of the pandemic, but this ended at the beginning of October 2021, as a result of the regain of some normality. This has been a huge blow to many who rely on these payments to feed their families, pay their bills and fund their job searches, including travelling to interviews and work clothing. 

On top of this, people are facing higher bills since the energy price cap increased by nearly £140 — and further increases of around £400 are expected next April.

A way people can manage their finances can be through third party debt repayments. For example, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) can take money directly from their benefit payments and give it to their energy supplier to cover their debt and ongoing energy usage. This can give people much-needed peace of mind until they are in a better position to manage their finances independently. For example, the new year is usually a better time for people to pay back their debts — once they have gotten through the tough gift-giving Christmas period.

During the remaining part of 2021, it is vital that the deductions scheme works effectively to support people who are in debt, especially as there have been vast reductions to many people’s finances over the last 6 months

The Citizens Advice Medway debt helpline has been helping people all over England since February 2021. We have helped people deal with their debts, maximise their income and improve their overall budgeting skills. Can we help you?

How can Citizens Advice help

If you have any other questions or problems regarding your finances we can help. Citizens Advice’s confidential, independent, impartial and free service is always available, with the aims of providing quality advice and campaigning for fairer practices both locally and nationally

• If you need any other advice or support, you can access our services via the following options
• You can call us on 01634 383 760 between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday to Friday. Local call rates apply.
• You can email us at info@medwayadvice.org.uk. We will aim to get back to you within 5 working days. 
• You can access our webchat service through the button on the right side of each webpage on this site between 10:00 am and 12:00 pm Monday to Wednesday. 
• Or you can click here to be directed to our contact page.