The demand for advice services is surging as the housing crisis intensifies, significantly impacting organizations like Citizens Advice Guernsey. In 2025, the charity supported 3,043 clients, a rise from 2,991 in 2024, dealing with nearly 5,700 separate issues.
Increasing Complexity of Client Needs
The average time spent with each client increased from 51 to 54 minutes, equating to approximately 150 extra hours of adviser time. This reflects the growing complexity of client needs and the demand on adviser resources.
- Housing: Over 1,000 cases related to housing, affecting 474 clients.
- Employment Issues: Ranked second in commonality.
- Legal and Family Matters: Third and fourth most common issues.
"Divorce and separation often add to the housing shortage, because the separated couple need two homes," the charity noted.
Volunteer Efforts and Resource Allocation
More than 10,000 volunteer hours were required to maintain operations in 2025. The charity highlighted the chronic shortage of social housing and the difficulties faced by clients in the rental market.
| Year | Clients Supported | Issues Handled | Average Time per Client (minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2,991 | N/A | 51 |
| 2025 | 3,043 | 5,700 | 54 |
Anticipated Future Challenges
The organization anticipates that the demand for its services will continue to rise as financial pressures grow. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is expected to further impact those already struggling.
"It is anticipated that with the continuing cost-of-living crisis, this is going to impact further on those who are already struggling, as well as those who have just managed to survive thus far," the charity stated.
