Big rise in demand for help at Exeter Citizens Advice

CAB says spending cuts could result in more demand for the charity's help

The number of people asking the Citizens Advice Bureau in Exeter for help is at its highest level for years.

The charity advised 2,091 people in the six-month period to the end of September - 19% higher than the same period last year.

Debt advice demand fell, but demand for welfare advice rose to a three-year high.

"Sadly we are seeing more people with actual or threatened homelessness," director Steve Barriball said.

"We will need to keep a close eye on developments over coming months to see whether this leads to a continuing trend, or whether there are other changes in the future," he added.

Mr Barriball said the outcome of the government's Spending Review would be "critical" in determining the future advice needs where a large number of the local workforce is in the public sector.