19 Jun PEOPLE URGED NOT TO MISS THEIR DEBT APPOINTMENTS

Citizens Advice Cornwall is reminding people with debt issues not to miss their appointments with the charity.

Between January and May this year, 31% of the 80 appointments with the specialist debt advice team, based in Truro, were missed, including face-to-face and phone sessions.

Advice and Debt Supervisor, Andrew Berry, said:

“We are concerned that people who don’t turn-up for their appointments may simply be delaying dealing with their debt issues and storing-up even more problems for the future, such as visits from bailiffs.

“In addition, if someone no longer needs help, we could offer the appointment to someone else. With debt levels increasing across the county, there are an increasing number of people who really need the help of a specialist adviser.”

In the last year, the charity helped more than 5,000 people with debt problems in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and wrote off debt worth £1.1 million.

Citizens Advice Cornwall Chief Executive, Gill Pipkin, said:

“Our highly trained debt advice volunteers give up their time to help people work through their problems. If you’re unable to make an appointment or feel you no longer need it, please do take a moment to contact us as soon as possible and let us know.”

Citizens Advice Cornwall is a free, independent and confidential service for all members of the community. People can get help with debt issues by texting ADVICE DEBT to 78866 and an adviser will call back within five working days.