Breathing space needed

As we approach the Christmas season, a time when many families are struggling financially, I'm supporting The Children's Society campaign to protect the estimated 10,800 children living in problem debt in the area.

Children living in families in problem debt are five times more likely to be unhappy than children in families without debt troubles.

That’s why we’re calling on the Government to introduce a ‘Breathing Space’ scheme – to give parents time to get their finances back in order and repay their debts in a safe and affordable way.

Too often families fall into debt because of unexpected life events.

They need time and space to get their finances back on track to repay their debts, rather than being chased by bailiffs and having fees and charges added, pushing them ever deeper into a perpetual cycle of debt.

At a time when some families are being forced to cut back on essentials like food and heating, we need our politicians to get behind this campaign to help protect families from falling further into the debt trap.

Carol Crann