Castlemilk CAB awaits decision on future

A decision is due tomorrow on whether Castlemilk’s Citizens Advice Bureau will be axed.

Glasgow City Council are proposing to shut five bureaux from October, as part of costcutting measures.

Citizens Advice has warned that the move could have a devastating impact on the areas affected by the closures, resulting in vulnerable people being more likely to fall through the cracks in the system.

A fierce backlash has greeted the proposed savings.

Citizens Advice Scotland chair

Rory Mair CBE said:“Citizens Advice Bureaux have always provided essential work and never more so than under the current circumstances.

“They are here for everyone but often help the most vulnerable people in our communities, helping them realise their rights and access money they are entitled to.

“Proposals to cut funding for bureaux in Glasgow, which would lead to closures, would be a devastating blow for the city.

“They are a vehicle for social justice in the city and the work they do helping people prevents larger problems down the line. These cuts are short-sighted and will seriously damage the prospects of people in the city just as we enter a period of huge economic uncertainty.

“Local bureaux have sought to engage with the council throughout this process and have been met with silence.

“The process here, once again, seems to have put an algorithm above the needs of real people.”

Charity Homeless Action Scotland has also slammed the plan.

In a lengthy statement on their website, they called the scheme, which would take effect just as the

Government’s furlough scheme ends,“bizarre.”

They stated:“At a time when issues like debt, poverty and housing stability are at the forefront of people’s minds, to even propose to cut support makes no sense whatsoever.

“Law Centres and CABs are the lifeblood of our communities.

“If we do not think that our taxes should be paid to support, help and empower people who really need it, then what are our taxes for?”

Also affected are the CAB’s in Glasgow Central, Bridgeton, Easterhouse and Parkhead.