Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

More funding for the CAB in west Wiltshire.
WWDC has now pleased announced that it is helping the West Wiltshire Wide Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) by providing an additional £13,000 funding for a part time money advice co-ordinator. Debt is an important issue for many people and is currently the number one enquiry for the CAB. This new post will help with their growing workload.

So far in 2008, debt enquiries have represented 36% of the CAB’s work. Enquiries about mortgage repossessions have risen by 61 percent, and Council Tax debt queries are up by 62 percent. The CAB dealt with over 2,500 debt enquiries in the first six months of the year alone, a 27 percent increase on 2007.

Currently the bureau has one full-time debt caseworker for West Wiltshire and Kennet with additional part-time support two days per week. They also provide court staff on the two days per month when repossessions are listed.

Councillor Graham Payne, leader of West Wiltshire District Council, said: “The CAB provides much needed help and support. This new post will go a long way to ensuring they are able to continue to offer their valuable services to people when they need it most.

“The District Council has a very positive partnership with the CAB and I am pleased to be able to say that this funding will build on that. It is part of our overall package of measures, which has also included Revenues and Benefits roadshows and court desk help, designed to offer proper practical help for people during these difficult times.”

Sarah Cardy, bureau manager, said: “Demand for our help and advice has increased dramatically. We are finding that the main problem for clients in debt is they don’t know where to start to resolve the problem. A money advice co-ordinator will be able to work with them by offering practical support, help with budget setting and managing the debt management plan process. This will help more people take control of their financial situation.

“As well as this we will continue to recruit more volunteers and improve access to the service by renewing and improving service delivery. We have already trained more of our staff in offering advice over the telephone, and have introduced a new system to assess each client’s requirements quicker.”