"I got out of prison 18 months ago and have been unable to find work. My job seekers allowance should be £69 a week. I am getting deductions taken out of this for council tax arrears, water rates and budgeting loans leaving me about £55 a week. Then I'm on prepayment meters for gas and electric at £2 charge each, and I'm in debt on the gas for £75, so when I put £5 on the gas, £3 is taken straight away for debt. I normally find it a struggle to cope, but everything seemed to go wrong at once this week."
Thanks to Stephen for sharing his story with us.
