Wilmslow Town Council showed their continuing support for the Citizens Advice Bureau when they unanimously approved a grant application of £29,000 at their meeting on Monday, 21st September.
Since September 2012 the Town Council has funded the CAB service in Wilmslow enabling local people to access face to face independent advice in the town rather than having to travel to Macclesfield to receive the support. During that period CAB has helped 648 different clients with 844 different issues in Wilmslow.
The grant will be used to continue providing services in Wilmslow over three days. In addition to a three hour drop-in service on Monday mornings at the United Reformed Church, CAB provides appointment sessions on Tuesday mornings at St Bartholomew's Church and Thursday mornings in Wilmslow Parish Hall.
Speaking at the Town Council meeting, William McKellar, Chief Officer at the Citizens Advice Bureau said "In Wilmslow it mirrors what happens in most CABs. About 60% of the work is welfare, benefits and debt. Running a close second is employment and then we have housing. We also have relationships. They are the main issues people bring but the Citizens Advice Bureau is a generalist service so it covers anything and everything and for every one client who presents you are looking at two or three enquiries."
William added "Over 12 months we are looking at an estimated value, that's increase in income, that we've been able to assist clients to achieve is somewhere in the region of £98,000 and the value of the debts that we've been able to help them manage is somewhere in the region of £100,000. So I think there is value and the Town Council has always been a very positive and vocal supporter and we really do appreciate it. I think the service we provide is of value and I hope the council would support that."
Councillor Christopher Dodson said "I would like to very strongly support this application. In my opinion this is one of the most important things this council has done. Contrary to popular belief there is a very real need for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Wilmslow and I strongly commend this to the council."
Wilmslow Town Council approved grant applications from CAB of £15,000 in 2012, £34,000 in 2013 and £29,000 in 2014.
The Citizens Advice Bureau are currently looking to provide an evening service in Wilmslow, for people who cannot make it during the day.
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Thank you WTC.