Chloé Parkman
BBC News, Southwest
Danny Lawson / Pa Wire
People were advised to “go around” in order to save money
Citizens Advice urged the people of Cornwall to “ask for help at an early stage” if they are struggling with the cost of living.
Gas and electricity bills increased for millions of households on April 1 when the last energy price ceiling entered into force.
Wailim Wong, citizens’ advice in Cornwall, said demand is starting to increase, adding that more people should come forward in about a month.
“If you are late … Ask for help at an early stage from Citizens Advice or another charity,” he said.
‘Continue afloat’
“What tends to happen is that people are just trying to stay afloat and continue as long as possible.
Wong said the organization would stop his meeting sessions in all of his Cornwall offices for six months after a request on his telephone services.
“We stop what we call meeting sessions …
“We will use these six months to recruit more volunteers and more advisers.
“After these six months, we will be able to start doing this face to face again.”
Wong said face-to-face meetings are still available.
He gave advice to those who can be struggling with finances, urging them to “go around”.
“There are agreements there, sometimes they are quite substantial.
“Spend a little time … to cross the budget of your household.
“What’s going on every month, what’s going on, where can I save money?”
