All of us are noticing bills going up, and it doesn't look like it'll ease off any time soon

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National Insurance, council tax, and food and fuel prices have all increased due to the cost of living crisis, and experts have warned that the spikes won't start slowing anytime soon. Said experts also predict that the scheduled 3.1% rise in benefits and state pensions will still be way off the mark of keeping up with expected 8.4% rise in inflation later this year.

The crisis has become a heavy burden to bare for millions across the country. None more so than in north Wales.

Siân Mather, a money advice manager at Citizens Advice Flintshire, shared with us the impact the cost of living crisis is having in north Wales. As well as providing helpful tips for those struggling in our regions, she admitted that she thought the Government's benefits scheme has been "inadequate".

Read more: How upcoming rail strikes will affect North Wales - and whether you can get a refund

Signs to look out for and avoid

The impact of the cost of living crisis is affecting the people in North Wales just as much as the rest of UK. All of us are noticing our bills go up, but for people on the tightest budgets there’s simply nothing left to cut back on.

There are some signs to look for out and avoid if you are struggling to make ends meet

How to manage rising debts

Citizens Advice Flintshire have seen an increase in the number of people seeking help because they are unable to afford essential household costs such as food, rent and heating. Many people are getting into debt and finding that accessing crisis support like food banks is the only way to get by.

If you are in a position where you are struggling financially there are a few things you can consider doing to manage rising debts

Who best to contact if someone feels everything's getting too hard

If you feel that you are consistently struggling with debts and meeting repayments then it is vital that you seek advice from a free/not for profit debt advice agency.

There are a number of agencies out there that offer free debt advice including your local Citizens Advice who are a charity that can provide specialist debt advice to discuss options available to you to deal your debt crisis.

What help is out there

You may be eligible for free home energy improvement. The Nest scheme in Wales which is funded by the Welsh Government for eligible household’s offers can provide free home energy efficiency improvements such as a new boiler, central heating, insulation, or solar panels.

Check for grants and support. Some utility companies offer help if you have arrears on your gas and electricity. Welsh Water also have a few schemes to help customers who are struggling to pay their bills and a reduced tariff for low income households.

The government has also brought in a package of one off targeted support to help with the cost of living crisis:

What tips do you suggest to people struggling?

Do you think benefits should be increased? Let us know in the comments

And lastly just addressing the cost of living crisis in north Wales, your own take on it.

My view would be for the national government to increase benefit rates. The level of benefits is inadequate in the UK, there are some changes the UK government can make now to help low income households.

Raise benefits in line with the current levels of inflation, end the benefit cap, and to ensure support for housing costs increases in line with rents. These changes would make a huge difference to households trapped in this never ending cycle of poverty.

It is the only sustainable way to help people on the lowest income.