Cllr Judi Binks, a Mid Devon District Councillor for Sandford and Creedy, told the “Courier”: “I’ve made two visits recently to the Citizens Advice office to speak to volunteers and was impressed with their zeal and dedication in meeting the needs of local residents in need of advice.
“For most of us, the CA is the first port of call when facing debt, employment, housing and consumer difficulties because their advice is free, comprehensive and professionally delivered.
“Local councils, community groups and other agencies frequently refer clients to the CA because of their service levels.”
Citizens Advice provides not only guidance, but it also contributes to the local economy.
More than £600, 000 was introduced into the local economy from successful Appeal tribunal hearings won with the help of specialist CA advisers.
CA says this is new money coming from outside sources like national government, not just recycled resources from within the local community.
For many people the CA is a one-stop shop for a variety of issues.
The service says that a client might arrive at interview with an initial concern like debt which often turns out to be one of many issues, such as depression and family breakdown, all of which can be dealt with by CA, regardless of age and employment.
It says that often, finding a solution to a problem like debt can help to alleviate depression and family strife.
At present, the Crediton CA is open two days-a-week thanks to support from Crediton United Charities and many local parishes.
The Tiverton branch operates three days-a-week with a generous anonymous donation which funded one of those days until September 2018.
The service says it could not run without the help of the brilliant volunteers who give their time freely, but even so, the training, administration, rents, telephone, internet and professional advice training cost money.
Cllr Binks continued: “I was so proud, last week, when Sandford Parish Council voted unanimously to contribute £200 to our local Citizens Advice because it recognised its importance to local residents.
“Mid Devon District Council had to cut back its contribution owing to budgetary constraints which has impacted on their level of service provision locally.
“Our most vulnerable and troubled residents rely on this free service: professional legal advice is expensive.
“Do we have a responsibility to others in these difficult times to continue to support Citizens Advice, and other voluntary support groups?
“How public money is spent is an important decision. At present, I’m hoping that additional funds might be found to support the CA, despite the difficulties of setting a tight budget, because I am Mid Devon’s external representative to the Rural Citizens Advice and it’s my job to support them.
“You might well disagree with me about priorities, but if you or your family have ever benefited from CA advice, you will understand why I want to let people know that the future is uncertain for the CA, particularly in Crediton.”
Vicki Rowe, CA chief executive officer, recently told the “Courier”: “We supported 1,327 clients in the first six months of the financial year in Mid Devon and through our work we are able to gather information on the issues and problems that the people of Mid Devon have on a weekly basis, and how we can change people’s lives for the better.”
For more information from Citizens Advice, speak to one of the service advisers face-to-face, online, or over the telephone.
For further details, including office opening times, visit: www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk or telephone the adviceline on 03444 111 444.
• Would you miss Crediton and Tiverton Citizens Advice services if they did not continue?
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White a letter, suitable for publication, to: The Editorial Manager, “Crediton Courier”, 102 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LF or email: [email protected] .
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