Luton Citizens Advice Bureau has seen a sharp rise in the number of people needing help with welfare benefit problems, it was revealed this week.
In 2012, Luton CAB helped with over 7,700 welfare benefit problems, and with unprecedented changes to the benefit system due to come in later this year, 2013’s figure will be even higher.
The Bureau has already seen a 32% rise in the number of sick and disabled people coming in with problems with Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Bureau manager Julia Cornelius said: “Every day we see people who are struggling to keep a roof over their heads or put food on the table as wage squeezes, price rises and benefit cuts wreak havoc on household budgets.
“I would urge anyone who thinks that they may be affected to contact us for free, confidential and independent advice as soon as possible – you don’t need to wait until you’re struggling before getting help.”