Post by Patrick Torsney on May 8, 2012 9:20:40 GMT
Funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau has dropped but demand is rising
Article from ITV Anglia 2 May 2012
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has been listening to peoples' troubles since it was founded in 1939.
The bulk of CAB's funding comes from local authorities who are themselves facing the squeeze. Cuts to legal aid mean many people will soon no longer be entitled to free advice on debt, benefits and housing.
When these cuts come into force, CABs which previously got funding from the government to provide that legal advice will lose out on the money - but still expect people to ask for the same help.
Steve Marsham is a qualified money advisor who works at North Walsham CAB in Norfolk and demand for his services has gone up during the economic downturn.
The CAB he works for previously got funding from a lottery grant but that has now been stopped. The reduction in funding means Mr Marsham's hours have been cut and his wages have been reduced by a third.
He told ITV Anglia he's not sure he can afford to continue working for Citizens Advice