A charity's annual report has shown how the last two years have left many low-income households "under the rubble of debt and poverty."

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) revealed clients in the East of England, including Dereham, owe an average of £12,700 in essential bills such as council tax, mortgage, rent, gas and electricity.

The inability to pay bills is said to be a consequence of low income, according to the report. 

It highlights that some even skip meals to stretch their income further. 

Morgan Cockbill, a CAP debt manager for Dereham, said that the cost of living crisis has had the biggest impact. 

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Dereham Times: Morgan Cockbill is hoping to continue to help clients tackle debt, despite the rising cost of living.Morgan Cockbill is hoping to continue to help clients tackle debt, despite the rising cost of living. (Image: Morgan Cockbill)

"Historically it would have been credit card debt, but now salaries haven't been able to keep up with the cost of living. 

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"We were able to help one man through the CAP process, but he is still struggling to stay ahead of his monthly bills. 

"Part of the reason why people struggle is because they're afraid to talk about money.

"There's a negative stigma attached, and we want to overcome that," she said.

The organisation helped 189 households in the East of England go debt-free in 2023.

To view the full report, visit the CAP website: https://www.capuk.org/about-us/policy-and-research/client-report