United against proposed cuts

Politicians from all sides of the political divide have united to urge the council to reconsider the decision to cut CAB funding by 50 per cent.

Motherwell and Wishaw MP Marion Fellows believes the cash cut will hit the poorest in society the hardest.

She said: “I am extremely concerned at a potential 50 per cent cut in core funding to Motherwell and Wishaw Citizens Advice Bureau with removal of their debt advice service.

“In addition, further cuts could see the closure of Wishaw CAB.

“This free, independent and impartial advice is vital to help the most vulnerable members of our community who will yet again be hit the hardest.”

Meanwhile, the Conservative Central Scotland List MSP Graham Simpson believes that the service could be described as a “core service”.

He said: “The CAB offers a vital service to the people of Motherwell, Wishaw and Shotts. Councillors should not see it as some luxury add-on but rather a core service.

“Through the advice given, the CAB probably saves the council money in staff time and resources. I urge councillors to back it.”

And despite North Lanarkshire being a Labour controlled council, list MSP Richard Leonard, who also stood for the party at the recent Scottish Parliament election, urged his Labour colleagues to re-consider their decision.

He said: “There is no doubt that North Lanarkshire Council’s Budget has been cut by the Scottish Government but the role of this Citizens Advice Bureau in social security advice alone is invaluable in the fight for justice, for greater equality and for local economic development.

“That ’ s why we should be supporting it.”