Debt Advice, Mortgage Costs and Savings

Published: Feb. 18, 2023, 8 a.m.

As hundreds of people at two large debt advice charities face redundancy \u2013 we visit a local debt advice centre to see who they help and how.

Mortgage rates are at their highest for 14 years - the average is five and a half per cent for a two year fix, nearly six and half for the standard variable rate. The regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, predicts more than half a million people will be at risk of falling into arears over the next couple of years. We'll discuss what to do if you\u2019re struggling to afford your mortgage

When and how will people who live off grid - without a gas or electricity supplier - get the government help with their energy bills?

And what are the options for saving if you're on a low income? We'll discuss the government's Help to Save scheme.

Presenter: Paul Lewis\nReporter: Dan Whitworth\nResearchers: Sandra Hardial and Jo Krasner\nEditor: Jess Quayle

(First broadcast, 12pm Saturday 21st January, 2023)