Hope village rallies for those in need

Twyford: Steep rise in people visiting Citizens Advice

The number of Twyford residents seeking help from Wokingham Citizens Advice has increased by more than a third this year amid the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Twyford councillor Stephen Conway (Lib Dem) has also reported an increase in the number of Twyford families using support services as the crisis deepens.

In his weekly round-up to residents on Facebook last month, Cllr Conway said he and fellow Twyford politician Lindsay Ferris have been ‘dealing with some of the fallout’ of the cost of living crisis that has included ‘many heartbreaking cases of homelessness’.

Cllr Conway, who is also the deputy leader of Wokingham Borough Council, reported that Twyford as a village hasn’t experienced hardship of this level and that the number of cases where people are needing assistance is ‘spiking’.

Jake Morrison, chief executive of Citizens Advice Wokingham, confirmed that the numbers of people seeking support has risen in Twyford.

He said there had been a 36 per cent increase in clients from Twyford between January to August 24, when compared to the same period in 2021.

Praising the work that Citizens Advice does, Cllr Conway said it is doing a ‘brilliant job in helping people in a wide range of difficult circumstances’.

“Everyone is aware of rising prices. For some members of our community, the impact is very severe and with the price cap on heating set to be lifted soon, many people will be struggling to pay greatly inflated bills,” Cllr Conway told the Advertiser.

“Twyford is a great place with a strong community spirit, as we saw during the pandemic.

“I know many people will want to help those who are going to face hardship over the coming months.

“We can all look out for neighbours and friends and do what we can to offer them support, but, in the absence of central government help, we are going to have to put plans in place at a local level to coordinate all the efforts of the different groups that are trying to assist those in need.

“The borough council is itself short of money, as it faces increased demand for services, shortfalls in anticipated income and the pressures on its budget caused by seemingly relentless inflation.

“The council will, however, always try to reschedule council tax and council rent payments for those who are struggling.

“It has also found money to support children over the holiday periods who receive free school meals in term-time.

“The council will also be trying to keep next year’s rent rise for council tenants as low as possible.

“The council’s main role, though, is going to be as a facilitator, directing people to possible sources of help and coordinating the efforts of all those who are trying to assist.

“Council officers are currently trying to calculate likely areas of need and plans are being prepared to focus our efforts where they are most needed. In the meantime, if you or anyone you know needs help, contact Citizens Advice Wokingham, which has been working closely with the council, or the council itself.”

Twyford area residents can contact CAW at 0808 278 7958 or by visiting citizensadvice wokingham.org.uk/