New deal responds to rising cost of living and secures vital service in the district
East Hampshire District Council has stepped up to help people struggling with debt, homelessness or family crises with a three-year funding agreement for Citizens Advice East Hampshire.
The long-standing service gives free, confidential and impartial advice from offices in Alton, Whitehill & Bordon and Petersfield.
Over the last ten years the council has granted the organisation the core funding it needs to continue its vital service on a year-by-year basis.
EHDC has agreed a three-year deal to provide financial security and allow the organisation to plan for the future.
Cllr Adeel Shah, EHDC’s Portfolio Holder for Community Development and Engagement, said: “For years Citizens Advice East Hampshire has been a trusted and reliable refuge for thousands of local people who find themselves in difficulty.
“Rising prices, fuel poverty and the spiralling cost of living are forcing more and more people towards debt – and that makes services like this more important than ever.
“I am proud that EHDC has always stood up to help them with annual funding, and I am particularly pleased that this year we have been able to set aside money not just for the coming year, but for the next three years.
“This gives Citizens Advice East Hampshire the confidence to plan and budget for the future and gives the people of East Hampshire the reassurance that their expertise and support will be available to them.”
Helen Drake, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice East Hampshire, said: “Providing a three year funding agreement is clear recognition by EHDC of the vital lifeline we at Citizens Advice provide for local residents, helping them deal with the problems they face, manage their lives despite the high cost of living as well as avoid crises such as bankruptcy or homelessness.
"Last year we helped nearly 6,000 local people with 16,000 different issues - helping to increase financial resilience in challenging times.
"Our advice also helps alleviate the pressures on frontline services including EHDC, NHS and Social Care services. For example, we work closely with the EHDC housing team to support residents by helping to prevent homelessness and avoid poor unhealthy housing, advising on rent arrears, benefit entitlement, disrepair as well as how to sort out complex debt.
"This support helps sustain tenancies and avoid costly temporary accommodation that impacts on family life. Our advice helps to improve the mental and physical health of those suffering the stress of poor and insecure housing and poor financial resilience that makes everyday a challenge.”