I was appalled to learn that more north Enfield people seek help with serious debts than in most other constituencies.

The Money Advice Trust tells us that more than 1,000 Enfield North residents have called its national debt advice line in the last two years.

Since only 17 per cent of people with debt problems seek help, the total number of local people affected is probably more like 3,000 a year; many more if we include their families.

It may well be more. This may be the Tory Party’s idea of a recovery, but it certainly isn’t mine.

The various debt advice charities are doing a good job, a necessary job, but the real need is to address the causes of low wages, insecure employment, high rents and a punitive benefits system.

As the Green Party candidate for Enfield North I stand for the Living Wage, an end to zero hours contracts, rent controls and a full rethink of our benefit system. Practical policies that will get people out of debt.

What do the other candidates stand for?

David Flint

Green Party candidate for Enfield North