Citizens Advice Highlights Key Social Policy Concerns in 2024/25 Report

Citizens Advice has outlined several ongoing social policy challenges in its 2024/25 annual report, drawing on evidence from client cases to inform its research and advocacy efforts.

The organisation’s latest report addresses a range of topics including benefits and work, consumer matters, cost of living, debt, energy, postal services, rental issues, and specific concerns in Wales. These areas were identified based on recurring problems reported by individuals seeking assistance.

Recent briefings from Citizens Advice have pointed to three primary areas of increased concern: households experiencing negative budgets without clear solutions, low-income homeowners struggling with higher mortgage rates, and private renters dealing with unaffordable rents and the risk of eviction.

In June 2023, Citizens Advice reported assisting the highest number of people on record facing Section 21 eviction notices. The organisation also advised more individuals with homelessness issues during that month than at any point in the previous six years.

What the numbers show

• By the end of 2024, average client debt rose by nearly £1,000 to over £8,500
• 60% of Universal Credit claimants helped with deductions since January 2023 also needed food bank or emergency support
• June 2023 saw record numbers of Section 21 eviction cases handled by Citizens Advice

Citizens Advice has also highlighted that a significant proportion of Universal Credit claimants they assisted with deductions since January 2023 required additional help accessing food banks or emergency charitable support. This points to ongoing difficulties for many households in meeting basic needs.

The annual report notes that the average amount of debt among clients increased by almost £1,000, reaching over £8,500 by the end of 2024. This growth in debt levels reflects wider financial pressures faced by those seeking advice.

Client-reported problems serve as the primary source of evidence for Citizens Advice’s policy research. The organisation uses these insights to inform its advocacy and to identify emerging trends in areas such as housing, debt, and the cost of living.

Citizens Advice continues to monitor these issues and includes them as core areas of focus in its policy research agenda for the 2024/25 period. The organisation’s findings are based on direct interactions with individuals seeking assistance across England and Wales.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.