The Enfield Citizens Advice Bureau welcomed a cash boost to help people with Christmas spending.

The group gained a £130,000 grant from the City of London Corporation’s charity, City Bridge Trust from 2015 for three years.

The aim is to fund a benefits and debt advisor to address the increasing poverty in the borough, where around 20 per cent of working-age people are claiming out-of-work benefits.

Jill Harrison, CEO of Enfield Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “The grant will increase our capacity to help people across the borough. There are so many reasons why people get into debt.

“Many Enfield residents have been disproportionately impacted by the benefits cap, and others are simply struggling with stagnant wages that don’t cover the increase in living costs.

“The aim of our debt service is to ensure people get better advice, so they can tackle their debt problem before it becomes unmanageable.”

Jeremy Mayhew, chairman of the City Bridge Trust, said: “Indebtedness can be a huge source of stress and unhappiness. The pressure of buying Christmas presents and food can force people to make risky financial decisions, so it is important that professional services are available to prevent debt problems worsening.

“Enfield Citizens Advice Bureau is helping some of the most vulnerable people in London, who often feel they do not have a voice. Our grant will help the charity plan for the future and extend its support to a growing number of residents in need.”