WIRRAL Council is urging residents to seek debt support from dedicated organisations available in the borough.

People can request specialist advice on debt related to poor mental health, age, gambling, veterans, migration and loan sharks using the Wirral Infobank website.

Ask Us Wirral is also on hand to help with the practical issues of filling in forms, benefit entitlement checks, finding new solutions to debt arrangements and helping access emergency food and fuel.

The leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Jeanette Williamson said: "The pandemic has been tough on everyone in all sorts of ways, including financially.

"People have sadly lost their jobs, others have seen their working hours cut, and many have been furloughed and had to get by on just 80 per cent of their usual income.

"This has left many people with increased debts, so I would urge anyone affected to look into the support available via Wirral Infobank and the ‘Ask Us Wirral’ service."

Citizens Advice Wirral, Age UK Wirral, Wirral Change and Wirral Mencap are working with Wirral Infobank to give residents free, impartial, and confidential information and advice.

Carol Johnson-Eyre said, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wirral, said: "The national furlough scheme is being wound down and will come to an end on September 30, which is expected to lead to job losses.

"The £20 weekly top-up to Universal Credit will also come to an end this Autumn, which will greatly affect many people on benefits.

"And on top of these, just last week the energy regulator Ofgem announced that their price cap will rise by £96 for default tariff customers, and by £87 for pre-payment meter customers, leading to higher energy bills for many people.

"Although all of these changes will leave more people facing debt, they don't have to deal with it on their own and it's never too soon - or too late - to get help."

For further information visit www.wirralinfobank.co.uk and www.askuswirral.org.uk.