Posted on Friday 27th January 2012
People across Staffordshire needing support with debt management have given the thumbs up to an advice line backed by the county council.
Run by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB), the advice line 08444 111 444 enables people to talk to trained advisors when they are experiencing difficulties. Information and Advice also available at: www.citizensadvicestaffordshire.co.uk|.
The service is being supported by the county council as part of its commitment to increased prosperity in Staffordshire.
It is part of a four-year funding agreement and involves CAB offices across the county. Ninety-four per cent of people who have used the service and responded to a satisfaction survey said they were either very happy or happy with the advice line.
People said it had helped them to plan and manage their financial affairs better, enabling them to make affordable regular payments and avoid unscrupulous or illegal money lenders.
Cabinet member for Communities Pat Corfield said: “Helping people in Staffordshire to avoid debt and all of its associated problems is a concern for all of us.
“It’s enabling people to lead happy and more prosperous lives and we are happy to be able to support the service. For the county council this is an investment in the local economy; meaning people can manage their finances better and avoid future problems which may lead to misery and a reliance on other services.
“In addition, we are preventing criminals and unscrupulous money lenders from targeting people who may become desperate enough to turn to them.
“The response from those using the service is really encouraging and shows it is making a difference.”
Chief Executive of East Staffordshire CAB and Staffordshire Adviceline Project Lead Dawn Green added: “Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau is pleased to work together to deliver a gateway advice service for local residents.
“During this first stage of assessment an assessor will discuss the caller's problem to decide how the CAB can help them.
"Problems may include debt, housing, employment, benefits, utilities or other legal issues. The caller may be referred to a generalist advisor at their local bureau, a specialist or signposted to another organisation or given information on how to deal with their problem whilst on the phone.
Funding of £238,000 a year is provided to the CAB by the county council. The four year agreement started in 2010/11. The CAB offers advice on a range of issues, including employment, education and housing.