Derbyshire Citizens Advice now helping people who were “financially secure”

A spokesperson for the Derbyshire Districts said: “We’ve already helped 824 people with coronavirus issues so far, but we’ve started to see a change in the types of clients we’re receiving calls from, with more requests for advice coming from people who until now have been financially secure.

“April is expected to show a similar rise as people face further weeks of financial pressures, particularly those who’d been laid off, self-employed, furloughed on reduced pay.

“With people facing a sudden drop in income a growing number are struggling to meet housing costs particularly rent payments.

“We are able to provide full benefits entitlement advice and ensure that people can navigate and access the new coronavirus financial and support initiatives. We are particularly raising awareness of the emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation during the coronavirus crisis.”

A mature student who receives student loans was working 16 hours at a bar but due to the ban on pubs he currently has no work. He wanted to know

if he could be entitled to benefits to help pay his rent.

The spokesperson said: “Many people don’t realise that non payment of Council Tax is a priority debt. If payments are missed there can be serious consequences such financial crisis, court procedures, enforcement action and the risk of losing a home.

“We know people are facing financial pressures at the same time as having to spend more time at home. As a result they’re becoming increasingly concerned about being able to pay their energy bills.

“We have seen an increase in the number of people requiring advice about paying their mortgage.

“We are supporting people in speaking to their mortgage lenders before payments are missed to see if they can be offered the recently announced three month mortgage payment holiday.

“Your home shouldn’t be repossessed because of coronavirus.

“Facing a sudden drop in income at a time when other potential debts are increasing can have a severe impact on the ability to meet credit payments. It is important to keep companies and creditors fully updated on the situation. We can help with repayment negotiations and encourage people to seek our advice before they start missing payments.”

Citizens Advice has also confirmed with local councils that there are currently no home visits being conducted by enforcement agents. In addition, Derbyshire Dales,

Erewash and High Peak Borough Councils have all confirmed they will be taking no recovery action until the end of June.

Amber Valley have not set a time limit but indicate that it will be to the beginning of June at the earliest.

If you are experiencing any problems with regards to recovery action, Citizens Advice will “continue to contact the councils to ensure we can affect a solution for every individual case.”

You can call their adviceline on 0300 456 8390, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 4pm.