Foster welcomes big lottery boost for debt advice

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster has welcomed a financial boost of up to £800,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to improve local debt advice services.

The Minister said: "In the current economic climate, this is very welcome news from the Big Lottery Fund. The significant investment of up to £800,000 over the next two years will complement the existing services funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment and will increase the availability of free, independent, customer-focused advice in communities across Northern Ireland.

"The funding will focus on those who are directly affected by debt after their circumstances changed as a consequence of the credit crunch and the recession. These include workers on compulsory reduced hours or compulsory extended unpaid leave; those made redundant; those who extended borrowing when credit was easy but are now struggling to meet demands, or self-employed individuals in industries particularly affected by the recession.”

Arlene Foster continued: "Today's announcement is welcome news not only for individuals and families struggling financially as a result of the economic downturn, but also for the advice organisations that have experienced considerable increases in demand for their services. My Department looks forward to working alongside the Big Lottery Fund in expanding the network of debt advisers across Northern Ireland.”

Notes to Editors:

For media enquiries please contact the DETI Press Office, telephone 028 9052 9297. Out of office hours, please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.