'Seek help if you're worried about debt and learn from my experience,' says Mayor of Luton

I know from bitter experience the reality of falling into debt and I want to encourage all residents who may be facing hardship to have the courage to seek help.

Some years ago, as a single parent and carer for my disabled, terminally-ill mother, I got behind on my rent, to my great distress and regret.

Thankfully, the situation was resolved through an arrangement with the court, but I learnt the hard way how this can hit anyone and how much of a negative impact it can have on a person’s mental health and well-being.

Sometimes, it can feel easier to ignore demand letters or feel helpless when bills with red writing arrive through the letter box but in the long run, it is never a good idea to push them into the background.

If that is what you are experiencing, please seek help as soon as possible.

Coronavirus has already had a huge impact at every level of Luton’s community. Redundancies, furloughs, lack of business customers and family break-ups mean that for many, finances are tighter than ever before.

The number of benefit claimants has increased dramatically and foodbanks are providing more food and support than ever to those in need.

So many people from all different backgrounds are finding life very difficult at this moment in time but help is available and the council, together with its partners, has been working hard throughout the crisis to provide support and guidance.

Luton Access is a partnership between Luton Council and the local voluntary and community sector that provides information, advice and guidance services.

This partnership has assisted thousands of people with a variety of money and financially-related problems including budgeting, debt management, and support to access benefits, as well as offering wider support.

Failure to keep up with important payments could, in the future, lead to serious problems and in some cases enforcement actions may be brought against an individual which might result in losing your home or even going to court as part of the enforcement action.

Depending on your circumstances there may be financial assistance you can access from the council and I would encourage anyone in difficulty to seek help.

There may also be assistance available if you need help paying your rent, including applying for housing benefit or Universal Credit.

It's not a question of pride but about ensuring everyone has access to the support to which they are entitled.

My key message to anyone facing difficulties as a result of Covid-19 is to seek the appropriate help however difficult you might find it to do so.

Follow this link to get help from the Luton Access partnership:

https://secure.luton.gov.uk/lutonaccess/index.htmlIf you are worried about paying your council tax or rent, please visit the council website at:

https://m.luton.gov.uk/Page/Show/Health_and_social_care/coronavirus/Pages/I-need-financial-support.aspx