The cost of living crisis and the housing crisis mean more people than ever are struggling to manage their household budgets. Research shows that 92 percent of people struggling with debt wished they’d gotten debt advice sooner.
The council’s partnership has been established to tackle this issue and ensure that residents are able to get debt support quickly and easily.
It builds on previous work StepChange and the council have done over the past 12-months, with the charity having already helped more than 500 Lambeth reduce their debt by £280,000.
The new partnership aims to make the support available to more people in Lambeth.
Cllr Nanda Manley-Browne, Lambeth’s joint Cabinet Member for Equalities, Governance and Change, said: “We are marking annual Debt Awareness Week with this exciting announcement to join StepChange in their mission to create a society free from problem debt.
“Annual Debt Awareness Week aims to reduce stigma around debt and raise awareness of the advice and solutions available to help. At Lambeth we recognise how important it is to tackle debt before it becomes overwhelming”.
Debt Awareness Week runs from 24 March to 30 March this year.
Vanessa Northam, Partnerships Director at StepChange Debt Charity, said “We’re delighted to be working with Lambeth council and know the importance of working in partnership with local authorities to reach people in need of debt advice. As households continue to struggle with cost of living pressures, it’s more vital than ever that they know where to get free and impartial support.
“This Debt Awareness Week, we’re focusing on encouraging open conversations around debt, and breaking down stigma, to help more people take that first step in getting their finances and life back on track.”
Cllr Fred Cowell, joint Cabinet Member for Equalities, Governance and Change, said: “We are thrilled that our work with StepChange has, not only continued, but gotten stronger as the first council in the UK to forge this partnership with them.
“The partnership comes as data shows that almost four in 10 low income UK households, or 38 percent, currently have a loan or credit that was originally taken out to pay for essential bills like rent, food, energy and council tax.
“This just demonstrates how essential this work is and is part of wider work to tackle poverty, low pay and access to opportunity in Lambeth.”
To learn more about the partnership and Lambeth’s Cost of Living support, visit lambeth.gov.uk/costofliving
