Are you struggling with debt? You’re not alone but we can help

16 Mar 2026

It’s Debt Awareness Week and West Suffolk Council is tackling the stigma and highlighting the help that it and its community partners can offer to residents.

National figures from support charity StepChange suggest more than half of UK adults have run into problems of some kind relating to debt including mortgages, rent, credit and store cards and energy bills.

In West Suffolk more than 760 people have received debt advice from Citizens Advice in the last 12 months. That included 82 people with a collective debt of just under £1.7m who needed and were given further support from Citizens Advice to help them manage their debt.

Sadly, it is believed many people may not be aware of the help they can get or feel too ashamed to come forward.

The Financial Inclusion Service set up by West Suffolk Council is already working to help support people who are struggling with debts – as well as people on low income who are anxious about falling behind on bills.

“There are many reasons that people can find themselves struggling with debts,” said Cllr Donna Higgins, Cabinet Member for Families and Communities at West Suffolk Council. “You are not alone. We and the community and charity partners that we invest in, and work alongside such as Citizens Advice, can help. We won’t judge, our help is free and it is in confidence. Don’t bury your head in the sand, talk to us. We can help.”

Gary is among the people that have been helped by the council’s Financial Inclusion Service.

He fell £900 behind on his rent after his Universal Credit payments dropped when he started working part time.

“I panicked,” he said. “Then West Suffolk Council’s Financial Inclusion Service helped me apply for grants and get money off my water bills. Together we worked out how to clear the debt. I feel much better and happy to be working again.”

 

Linda, who is a pensioner suffering from a lung condition, was so worried about falling into debt, she kept her heating off and was going to bed at 7pm each night to try to stay warm.  

“I didn’t want to live anymore,” said Linda who lives in a West Suffolk village. “My doctor referred me to the Financial Inclusion Service who helped me apply for grants and Attendance Allowance. That extra money has made a tremendous difference and given me peace of mind,” she said.

Another resident helped through the council is Sharon from Newmarket. As well as needing some help managing her debts, Sharon was struggling with living costs including weekly shopping.

The Financial Inclusion Service put her in contact with local food projects including Newmarket Community Pantry Shop, to reduce her weekly spending and Reach Community Projects to help with her finances and debt.

If you are struggling with debt, you can contact West Suffolk’s Financial Inclusion Service and they will put you in touch with services local to you. More details can be found at www.westsuffolk.gov.uk/cost-of-living

Other local help is available through other organisations including:

• Citizens Advice West Suffolk
• Reach Community Projects which operates in Haverhill and Newmarket
• Newmarket Community Pantry Shop at The Racing Centre
• Realise Futures offer courses in household budgeting
• Nationally support is available through the debt charity StepChange. 

 

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