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Hike in people seeking debt advice
03.06.08
Inishowen MABS
records 40% rise in new cases
Story: Inishowen Independent
THE Inishowen Branch of the North Donegal Money
Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has noted a
large upturn in its workload as the numbers signing
on the live register increases and the local economy
deteriorates.
The service provides advice to people who find
themselves in arrears with bills and helps them
develop a plan to pay creditors. Gerry Murray at the
Inishowen Branch of MABS says that the number of new
cases in North Donegal service in the first five
months of 2008 was 129 compared to 90 in the same
period in 2007, an increase of more than 40%.
In April alone, 37 new cases were opened compared to
just 15 in April 2007. |
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“But those figures
don’t tell the whole tale,” she says. “The nature of
the problems has changed too. In the past the
problems may have been relatively straightforward,
such as rent or electricity arrears. But since
January I’ve noted an increase in people presenting
with multiple debts – such as mortgage or rent, car
loans, credit cards – where the cases are more
complex.”
Ms Murray is keen to stress that the increase in
such financial difficulties is not down to
extravagance on the part of the people |
involved. “It mostly
relates to sudden changes in employment
circumstances,” she says, noting that former
construction workers are one of the main groups
seeking advice. “Many people presenting were
formerly self employed with a good income. But that
has changed, and the change has been sudden rather
than gradual and, naturally, they’re struggling to
adjust to that.”
But there is help for people who find themselves in
difficulty.
“Our aim is to get people feeling that they are back
in control of their debt and aren’t dreading another
bill in the post,” Murray says.
So what advice does she have for people who are in
difficulty?
“Don’t ignore the problem. Act on it right away and
don’t let it sit,” she says. “Write to all your
creditors and let them know your changed
circumstances and ask for time to assess your
situation. Check your rights and entitlements – you
may have a payment protection policy that can help,
or you may have unclaimed tax credits.”
People are also invited to contact the MABS office
in Buncrana to arrange an appointment. It offers a
free, confidential, independent and non-judgemental
service, and appointments can be made for either the
Buncrana office or the outreach centre in Carndonagh
Public Services Centre. The phone number is 93
21856. |
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