Proposed cuts to advice service funding condemned

PROPOSED cuts to the funding of advice services will threaten the future of organisations such as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

It is estimated that it helps put £1.7 million into the pockets of people of Argyll and Bute. Highlands and Islands MSP John Finnie has condemned the proposal, warning that axing these services would actually cost the area money as, without them, many people under claim benefits to which they are entitled.

This would exacerbate the impact of UK government welfare reform plans on Argyll and Bute, which the Highlands and Islands MSP estimates will cost the area more than £760 million every year until 2021.

Mr Finnie said: ‘UK Government welfare reform will hit Argyll and Bute hard. Os- borne’s cuts will take more than £7.6 million from the local economy, and of course that burden will be falling on the most vulnerable. Citizens’ advice estimates its services puts £1.7 million into the pockets of people Argyll and Bute, and therefore into the economy.’

A dedicated income maximisation team in Highland Council shows similar results, delivering £ 3.975 million in financial gain to local people.

‘Financial advice services like citizens’ advice and in-house advisors bring money into the local economy by making sure their clients claim what they’re entitled to,’ said Mr Finnie. ‘UK Government figures suggest more than £20 billion in benefits is going unclaimed every year. Killing off advice services in the name of ‘savings’ will hurt local people, hurt the local economy and ultimately hurt the council budget. I’m calling on Argyll and Bute to scrap the proposed cut and guarantee the future of citizens’ advice in Argyll and Bute.’