In its response to the Budget 2016 Citizens Advice highlights how it deals with 287,000 issues around Personal Independent Payments a year and the importance of more investment in frontline money and debt advice services.
Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“Household finances mirror the instability of the wider economy.
“Increasing the personal tax allowance threshold to £11,500 from April 2017 and helping households to save are both very positive steps. We help with 6,000 debt issues every working day and know there are many people struggling to balance the books.
“Getting effective financial guidance to people early is key to improving household finances and economic security so the commitment to invest more in frontline debt and money advice is good news. It’s crucial financial help isn’t just available at crisis points, people should be able to access it at key moments in their lives, like when they move jobs or have a baby.”
On changes to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Gillian Guy added:
“Disabled people who rely on PIP for help to get dressed or use the toilet will be worried about the impact this Budget has on their ability to live an independent life.
“People sought our help with 287,000 PIP issues in 2015 - making it the most common issue we give advice on. Many of the problems relate to how PIP is being implemented - included wrong decisions and double booking of medical assessments. It’s premature for the Government to make such a fundamental change to PIP before it’s implemented properly.”