More support needed for debt-laden Norfolk families

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th May 2008

Norfolk Lib Dems are asking whether more help should be given to local debt advice services

Calls have been made for an urgent review of local debt advisory service provision after investigations by local Liberal Democrats revealed rapidly escalating demand for debt advice services in Norfolk and waiting times of up to five weeks for private appointments with free, independent debt advisers.

Responding to increasing national unease about levels of individual personal debt and high repossession rates, Paul Morse, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group at County Hall, undertook to find out what the picture in Norfolk is. His investigations have revealed that the average resident seeking personal debt advice in Norfolk is now a staggering £31,000 in debt and that only an estimated 5% of those in debt in Norfolk are currently accessing these services, meaning that the majority are likely to be seeking help from loan sharks.

Cllr Morse now has concerns that spiralling demand combined with funding shortages - such as those reported by the Citizens Advice Bureau in his own electoral division of North Walsham last year - may leave too many Norfolk residents going without urgently needed debt advice. In North Walsham Citizens Advice Bureau advisers have been shocked at how marked the increase in debt enquiries has been over the past year with the number virtually tripling from the first quarter of the last financial year to more than 1000 during the final quarter. Cllr Morse's fears have prompted him to submit a formal motion to Norfolk County Council calling for local and national reviews of the adequacy of free and impartial debt service provision and its funding sources.

Cllr Morse says:

"While I am confident that Norfolk's local authorities and voluntary organisations are already working with the Government to ensure that debt advice services are provided in our county, I think that the current economic climate compels us to reconsider whether the level of provision we currently have is going to be adequate to meet the needs of the immediate future.

"It is clear that worsening economic circumstances are taking their toll on family finances nationally and Norfolk is no exception. At a time such as this it is vital that all those who need it are offered a helping hand by someone who is not just trying to make a quick buck and that they can get that help quickly - five weeks is just too long for vulnerable people to have to wait.

"Local evidence suggests that there are more Norfolk residents seeking independent debt advice in Norfolk than can be served by the present system and that there is a particular need for more in-depth assistance through personal casework. I hope that organisations in positions of influence nationally and locally respond positively to my call for action to see more people in need given access to these services."