A Great Yarmouth money and debt service have said they expect the cost of living crisis to get worse after Christmas.

The chief executive of DIAL - the FCA-registered money and debt service based on King Street - said she worries people are shopping as normal for Christmas and "choosing to worry about it in January". 

This comes following last month's cost of living "emergency” declared by Norfolk Community Advice Network’s (Ncan) steering group.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: DIAL is located on King Street, Great Yarmouth.DIAL is located on King Street, Great Yarmouth. (Image: James Weeds)

Jo Howes, chief executive of DIAL said: "Christmas is a worry.

"We're concerned about whether people are spending as they normally would this time of year, and choosing to worry about it in January."

The free and confidential service provides budgeting advice, helps with reducing bills or getting them written off, supports people to help and manage their energy, and offers benefits advice.

Money and debt advisor Sarah Greengrass said the service has seen "more and more" people coming in for help and advice.

"We're seeing people wanting help with budgeting," she said.

"Some people are recognising that things are likely to get worse, and they're trying to nip things in the bud.

"But it seems some people are not seeing the implications of the cost of living crisis just yet, especially around Christmas."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Sarah Greengrass and Jo Howes by the DIAL tombola.Sarah Greengrass and Jo Howes by the DIAL tombola. (Image: James Weeds)

DIAL has also seen more people requesting access to food banks, as well as people using the service who have been able to manage in the past.

"People are worried," Ms Howes said. "Especially those with mortgages.

"But there are deals out there.

"And we can help people look now and fix it now."

Ms Howes said it is vital people seek the help they need as early as possible.

She said: "We can help with long-term issues and help people move forward to avoid getting to a crisis point.

"For a long time, we were helping people with credit issues. But now, people are asking for help with managing their gas, electric and water debts - with some people seeing utility bills of up to £4,000.

"We will try to find the best route for the individual, and strive to make sure people have access to the services available to them."

DIAL is located on 26-27 King Street - with the Kingside charity shop - and is open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am until 4pm.

For more information, visit their website.