Requests for help with universal credit grew rapidly in H1 2019-20 – see chart below. All main issue categories* increased year-on-year except non-universal credit benefits (some inverse connection).
Debt, housing and relationship problems are also significantly up on 2018.
Growth in the number of client issues (though not necessarily client numbers in each category) speaks to the complex and difficult lives of some in our community. It also tells us much about our volunteer advisers. Only their willingness to give time and energy to help their neighbours makes Citizens Advice possible.