CAB helps people to the tune of £2 million

The team fought on behalf of 4344 people last year

Rutherglen and Cambuslang Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) saved locals almost £ 2 million last year as people in crisis flooded their offices seeking help.

The CAB team handled 11,000 issues as residents sought support for problems such as delayed benefits payments and spiralling debts.

Fighting on behalf of 4344 individuals last year alone, the citizens advice team saved £1,908,845 for people in poverty.

CAB was this week described as an “absolute lifeline service” for the area by regional list MSP James Kelly.

As well as providing a drop-in service on Cambuslang Main Street, the CAB has a range of outreach programmes across nine communities in the area.

Benefits are the biggest issue facing local people, making up 42 percent of all enquiries, with debt second and financial products third.

The bureau has also been regularly assisting people with consumer issues, legal concerns, relationships and housing problems.

Sharon Hampson, Rutherglen and Cambuslang CAB manager, said: “Over the past year we have again seen a massive increase in clients coming to us for help. “We have noticed that the introduction of Universal Credit has had a direct effect on people which in turn has put more people into hardship through no fault of their own. “This is not a short term problem, until Universal Credits are properly sorted, and claimants are treated with a bit of dignity and respect, this problem will continue to grow and continue to put even more hardship on to the claimants. “There is very little support out there and more and more people are struggling every day to cope, financially and mentally.

“We are trying our best to help and support anyone who attends our office or any of our outreach facilities and we will continue to do so.

“I have a fantastic team of dedicated staff and volunteers who work extremely hard every week to ensure that clients who attend our main office or any of our outreach facilities, receive the best advice possible.

“Our drop in sessions at the main bureau are run by our skilled volunteers who give up their time freely to provide advice and support to our clients. Without them, we would struggle immensely.”

Glasgow list MSP James Kelly met with Sharon last week and said that it is clear that cuts are having a major impact on those in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area.

MSP Kelly said: “The huge number of people seeking help with benefits issues and debt demonstrates the impact that cuts are having on the most vulnerable.

“It is hugely encouraging to see the support that Sharon and her team offer to so many people and it is troubling to think of what people would do without the assistance they offer.

“The impact of the CAB is demonstrated by the £1.9m they have saved for their clients over the year. Sharon and her team should be congratulated for the work they are doing.”