Cost of living crisis: Debt advice bus to tour capital offering struggling Londoners support

The capital’s first ever cost of living advice bus will be touring London from today, offering free help and support to Londoners struggling to make ends meet and facing mounting debt.

Funded by £145,000 from City Hall, the bus will visit more than 35 locations across the capital, including local libraries and supermarkets offering free advice to people with problem debt.

Recent City Hall polling shows that nearly a third of Londoners who say they are struggling financially are using more credit or are going into more debt to manage the spiralling costs of living and a quarter are borrowing money from family and friends.

The polling also revealed that more than half of those earning under £40,000 think they will struggle to pay their bills this winter, with a quarter saying they don’t think they will turn their heating on at all.

Kicking off on Wednesday November 23 in Trafalgar Square, the Debt Free Advice bus will tour the capital for three months, offering Londoners free debt and benefits entitlement advice, and signposting them to further support available.

The Debt Free Advice bus will be based in accessible public locations, such as supermarkets, town halls and public library car parks, and will offer a range of activities, including webinars, in-person consultations and drop-in money sessions.

Londoners can also access Debt Free Advice’s services via the telephone helpline which is open 8am-8pm 7 days a week, via video call, WhatsApp or live web chat, guaranteeing access to support no matter their personal circumstances.

The mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The cost of living crisis is hitting Londoners hard and, as Christmas approaches bringing more financial strain, many Londoners will be worrying how they will make ends meet over the coming months.

“No-one should have to face these difficulties on their own. I’m determined to build a better London for everyone, and I want every Londoner to know that free, expert advice is available in their local area, through the new Debt Free advice bus or over the phone.”

Matt Dronfield, managing director of Debt Free Advice, said: “Winter is setting in, and we already see many of our customers having to choose between heating and eating.

“Over 42% of our customers have a utility bill problem debt. The cost of living crisis has made it difficult for people to keep up with their bills and outgoings.

“Even after we’re extending our service hours to 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm, we still are not accessible to everyone.

“As such, we are going on the road with our advice bus to help as many people as possible with their money worries in places convenient for them.”