Citizens Advice

Government risks 'undermining' net zero climate goals

BBC Radio 5 Live

Wake Up to Money

Hand turning thermostat
GETTY IMAGES

Citizens Advice says the government risks "fatally undermining" the UK’s ability to reach its net zero emissions target if it doesn't get public support for changes that need to be made.

82% of the 2,002 adults surveyed by the charity said they backed the commitment to cut greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050.

But just over a third were aware that many houses in the UK will need to switch to a low-carbon heating system, for example.

Speaking to Wake Up to Money, Dhara Vyas, head of future energy services at Citizens Advice, said: "Government's got this commitment. Right now, government is talking to ministers and civil servants. We want to make sure they're putting people at the heart of its plans.

"There will absolutely need to be some sort of government support as well, to help people make these changes, such as switching to an electric car, or upgrading their heating system."

People struggling with debt urged to seek help

An increasing number of people in Cumbria aged over 60 are getting into debt, according to a national charity.

Citizens Advice offers help on financial matters and has branches across Cumbria. It says January is often its busiest time of year.

Money
BBC

If you're struggling financially anyway, then the added pressures of Christmas can push you over the limit. Get help straight away, go to Citizens Advice immediately. Don't bury your head because it won't go away."

Andy AuldChief executive, Carlisle and Eden Citizens Advice.

'Austerity is taking its toll'

An increasing number of people are living in poverty in Norfolk, according to the county's Citizen Advice.

Chief executive Jon Cheyette, talking on BBC Newsroom Live from Norwich, said the number of people the service sees has gone up by 14% from last year.

He said "austerity is taking its toll".

Jon Cheyette
BBC

"People are struggling to make difficult decisions on a day-to-day basis - do they put food on the table or do they put money in the electricity meter?" he said.

"More and more people are coming to us for Foodbank vouchers, for fuel vouchers, to help them heat their homes and put food on the table.

"The county is beautiful, but it belies the truth that there are an increasing number of people living in poverty."

Regulator should 'examine affordability rules'

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said the collapse of QuickQuid "is a reminder of how critical it is that all lenders carry out proper affordability checks."

“Customers must be able to pay back a loan without falling further into debt and shouldn’t be left having to make compensation claims down the line as a result of irresponsible lending," she said.

She called on the financial regulator to look again at whether high-cost lenders need clearer affordability rules.