February 2024 statistics – A step down in client numbers from January

February 2024 stopped short of January both in terms of client numbers (981 compared to 1,008) and percentage increase on the same month the previous year (64% increase vs 70%).

Universal Credit (1,399), benefits and tax credits (606), debt (242), housing (189) and utilities and communications (138) were the most common issues.

February 2024 was also a step down from January in terms of the top five cost-of-living-related issues (energy, energy debts, PIP, council tax arrears and charitable support and foodbanks).

Around 250 of these issues were recorded – roughly level with October, and joint highest month on record with the exception of January.

The drop in issues recorded is perhaps related to the arrival of the final cost of living payment.

Based on the first two months of this year, 2024 is projected to set a new high for energy issues.