ST HELENS Citizens Advice Bureau has reported that debt, consumer and consumer debt enquiries made up half of their enquiries last year, while fewer people are taking relationship troubles to them.

In their annual report, the CAB also stated that their new appointment and telephone system, funded by a grant from the National Lottery, had been a great success, with a number of clients taking advantage of the one-hour appointment slots on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

The report detailed that 25 per cent of enquiries were concerned with consumer and consumer debt problems, with the same percentage for debt problems. Benefit problems were 18 per cent of total enquiries, followed by nine per cent of tax and utility problems. But only three per cent of enquiries were relationship-related.

Over 2000 and 2001, the paid workforce increased by 100 per cent with new positions being created for a specialist money advisor, as well as an increase in welfare benefits casework and administrative support.

Employees also thanked the contribution of volunteers at the centre, which relies on voluntary staff for the core services and appealed for more people to take up the challenge.

If you would like to train to become a volunteer adviser, contact Yvonne on 01744 751380.