Lifeline service by CAB is axed

Outreach funding from lotto’s finished

A crucial advice service set up to support the most vulnerable people in communities across the Stirling area is no longer going to be running.

Stirling District Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB) have announced that their outreach advice services in Cultenhove, Plean, Cowie, Fallin, Cornton, Callander and Killin will be closing.

The decision has been forced upon the CAB as Big Lottery funding provided to run the clinics – totalling more than £100,000 each year – has come to an end.

There are fears the development will have a “significant impact on tackling poverty and inequality” in these communities.

The outreach drop-in sessions, better known as the Skint initiative, are designed to give critical financial advice to those who need it. Weekly sessions in seven Stirling area communities have been running for the last five years.

Jim Roche, vice chairman of Stirling District CAB, said: “Despite Stirling CAB’s best efforts we have been unable to find alternative funding.

“The removal of access to CAB advice services will have a significant impact on tackling poverty and inequality throughout rural Stirling, so we are very unhappy to be forced into this situation.

“Over the last five years it has become part of the furniture in these communities and it will be a great loss as we felt it was a valuable service.

“Craig Anderson, CEO of the bureau, made enormous efforts to attract some funding and keep it going, but we have been unable to do so.”

Alasdair MacPherson, councillor for the Eastern Villages, told the Observer that money will be set aside in the upcoming SNP council budget to allow the CAB to continue supporting vulnerable people in the affected areas.

Making reference to his ward areas, he said: “The loss of this service is a massive blow to Cowie, Fallin and Plean. CAB have provided vital advice to the most vulnerable in my ward especially those impacted by Tory welfare reform.

“The SNP group met this week and we agreed that this is such a vital service that we will be putting £50,000 in our budget to continue the great work that CAB has done. I hope that the Tory/ Labour administration’s budget matches our commitment.”

Corrie McChord, convenor of community planning and regeneration at Stirling Council, said: “Labour councillors are working tirelessly to limit the damage done by the SNP Government and their massive cuts to local authority budgets.

“The advice obtained by financial outreach programmes can be invaluable to families struggling to make ends meet, particularly given ongoing Tory UK Government attacks on welfare.

“We’ll make every effort to find a way to ensure those who need it can continue to access these vital services.”