QUERIES about benefits and tax credits remained the biggest issue for residents in Bovey Tracey and Heathfield in the last quarter of 2025, according to Citizens Advice.
The charity, which holds weekly online video support sessions in the Methodist Church, Fore Street, helped 85 people in the Bovey Ward area between October and December.
It offers information about benefits, work, debt and money, consumer affairs, housing, family, law and courts, immigration and health.
The largest single topic accounting for almost half the enquiries was Personal Independence Payments with general benefit entitlement and initial claims coming second and third.
The top debt issue was Debt Relief Orders, a scheme which allows people to apply for permission to have debts frozen and even written off.
A majority of people in Bovey and Heathfield approaching Citizens Advice were aged 35 - 39 with more than half of the overall total being female and living with long-term health problems.
The local figures are roughly in line with those for the wider district although council tax arrears and older client profile come higher in the Teignbridge figures.
Deputy Mayor Cllr Martyn Evans thanked Citizens Advice for their continued efforts.
He said: ‘We all know that the cost of living is placing huge pressure on families across our community and without the support offered by Citizen Advice, many would be struggling even harder than they are.
‘Having this free and independent advice easily available is vital and is why Bovey Tracey Town Council continues to back Citizen Advice.
‘The key message is that you don’t have to cope alone, help is on hand and there is no shame in asking.
‘Thank you, Citizens Advice, we’re so grateful for what you do.’
The weekly online video advice sessions are held each Tuesday from 10am - 12.30pm in the Methodist Church, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey.
Citizens Advice can also be contacted on 0808 278 7997 and their website can be found at https://citizensadviceteignbridge.org.uk/get-advice/.
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