THE Citizens Advice Bureau was busier than ever last year. It handled a record 7,611 enquiries, an increase of three per cent.
Calls to counsellors rose by eight per cent as 160 clients with £7m. in unmanageable debt sought help. Bureau manager Kate Raleigh (pictured) expected the number of callers with money problems to rise but said debt counselling was only one aspect of the charity’s work.
‘We deal with anything where people want to know what their rights are, including housing, employment, legal matters, relationship breakdowns and consumer affairs,’ she said.
She said some issues were more common in certain years and 2007 saw numerous calls from States tenants who were either being moved while repairs were carried out to their home or who had been asked to leave because they earned too much.
The local CAB was set up in 1978 and Mrs Raleigh said it is as relevant as ever.
‘Life has got so much more complicated,’ she said. ‘I think we are needed more and more.’
Relationship issues were, she said, a common enquiry.
‘Problems to do with relationship breakdowns can affect other people, including children, relations and friends – it’s not just the couple involved,’ she said.
The level of debt per person, excluding mortgages, tended to be comparatively high in Guernsey, possibly because of the island’s affluence and the amount of money that could be borrowed.
The CAB currently deals with about 30 calls per day at its Bridge premises.
Mrs Raleigh said it had been around for so long that many people thought it was run by the States and did not realise it was an independent charity.
There are about 35 voluntary advisers, debt counsellors and admin staff involved, yet it still costs £70,000 annually to provide premises, facilities and supervision to the organisation. This equates to about £9 per enquiry, which is still good value.
*To mark its 30th anniversary the CAB will next month hold a reunion for staff and volunteers who have served over the years. People are asked to call Mrs Raleigh on 242734.
Article posted on 23rd May, 2008 - 2.29pm
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