![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/cost-of-living-milton-keynes-charity-says-demand-is-increasing/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/127337294_c32fb39ab8c89f71a62b1ee0a31ab562a227b1d60_205_4032_22681000x563.jpg&description=Image caption, MK Money Lifeline offers free financial advice, including help with budgeting and signposting to other organisationsA cost of living crisis has been declared in Milton Keynes where the city council says one in five adults cannot pay their household bills. A charity that offers free financial advice says demand for its services is on the up and it expects to see a "tsunami" of people. Who does the charity help and how?Image source, Nicola Haseler/BBCImage caption, Thomas encourages other people to speak out and get help if they are strugglingThomas says his bills got "out of control" and he got into debt during the pandemic - and then came the price rises.He says going to the charity MK Money Lifeline has given him his "life back".Thomas, who has a son, says he was struggling with his rent and bills but the charity "helped me every step of the way"."It's not like I mismanage my bills, it wasn't that; it's just that it was too much for me to handle," he says."It's no secret; there was a time I was deep into debt and I was afraid to go to the mailbox because the letters would give me more stress - how am I going to pay the bills and at the same time manage the cost of living?"Had it not been for MK Money Lifeline, I would be in a far worse position, mentally and financially."He says he has made changes to his expenditure and has cut down on the amount he was spending on food, clothing and anything else that was not necessary.Thomas encourages others to speak out and ask for help.Image source, Nicola Haseler/BBCImage caption, Jack says he cannot sleep at night because he is worried about his financial situationJack uses MK Money Lifeline because is "constantly worried" about the increasing cost of living."I've paid my gas and electric, paid my rent and have got some outstanding bills that I have to pay as well, but the money that I'm getting isn't enough to cover the bills and the outstanding debt," he says."I'm in a position where I'm not sleeping at nig){kind=link}
A cost of living crisis has been declared in Milton Keynes where the city council says one in five adults cannot pay their household bills. A charity that offers free financial advice says demand for its services is on the up and it expects to see a “tsunami” of people. Who does the charity help and how?
Thomas says his bills got “out of control” and he got into debt during the pandemic – and then came the price rises.
He says going to the charity MK Money Lifeline has given him his “life back”.
Thomas, who has a son, says he was struggling with his rent and bills but the charity “helped me every step of the way”.
“It’s not like I mismanage my bills, it wasn’t that; it’s just that it was too much for me to handle,” he says.