Thousands of people are struggling to make ends meet in Stockport - according to an advice charity which has seen a huge demand for its services.
Citizens Advice Stockport, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford has received calls from almost 10,000 people so far this year. The majority of those, 6,429, were looking for help about benefits and debt.
It has led to a call for Government payments to be increased in line with inflation to help people in Stockport and around the UK who are struggling to meet their basic needs such as keeping their homes warm and buying food. READ MORE: Andy Burnham announces 'detailed update' this year on Stockport's Metrolink ambitions One 69-year-old retired carer from Hazel Grove, who receives Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for a disability, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that she is using food bank vouchers to get by and worries that British Gas could cut her electricity off after she missed a payment last month.
Rosslyn Brennan, who struggles with walking and is also suffering from lung cancer, claimed that the £330 she receives from PIP each month just isn't enough anymore.