WIREDGOV

"It is very likely that the worst is yet to come. Right now Britain faces seven years of public service cuts and a low growth economy.

"Politicians need to look at the cumulative impact of multiple cuts and economic stagnation. The people Citizens Advice bureaux see every day live with low wages in unstable employment, high rent in an immobile housing market, a shrinking state safety net and an advice sector more in demand than ever.

"It only takes a small financial shock like a washing machine breaking down or a large winter fuel bill to tip many families over the edge. Citizens Advice bureaux see 8,000 new problems with debt every day and have seen a ten-fold increase in the number of people seeking support with a payday loan.

"Without a concerted effort and long-term vision from Government and employers, the only winners in the current economy will be loan sharks and bailiffs."

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk  
3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.9 million problems from April 2011 to March 2012. For full 2011/2012 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,500 service outlets across England and Wales.