Conservative Councillors hear of growing advice need.
In the past year we have seen a marked increase in clients asking Citizens Advice for advice on welfare benefits and how to appeal against earlier decisions.
This was up for discussion when our District Manager, Elaine Parr, attended the borough Conservative Committee chaired by Cllr Julian Ellacott on 9 January.
Main cause of the rise is loss of Surrey County Council Getwise Funding. The scheme offered residents support on benefits and its closure left no alternative to CA bureaux.
In one area however a grant from Community Foundation of Surrey helped us meet the demand.
The grant supported a highly successful project to provide help for elderly and disabled residents of Horley, their families and carers, through appointment of an Older Persons Adviser.
The project which ended in October supported 151 people to gain benefits totalling more than £87,000 and manage total debt of over £78,000. Once again, benefits was the most common area of enquiry but we also provided advice and information on debt, consumer and relationship issues and legal advice through our 5 pro bono solicitors. We also made appropriate referrals to other local organisations such as Live at Home, Age Concern, Brigitte Trust and local food banks.
Elaine was also able to brief the councillors and ask for their support in her search for a new home for the Redhill bureau. The current Cromwell Road premises will likely become unavailable shortly as the area is redeveloped.