New services to provide advice on issues such as debt, money management and housing to Wales’ poorest communities have been given the go-ahead after the Welsh Government announced £2.4m of new funding.
Given the current economic climate and the UK Government’s changes to welfare, demand for advice services has increased considerably. This new package of funding will allow Citizens Advice Cymru to deliver advice services directly in 36 Communities First Clusters across the country to meet this growing demand.
Communities First is the Welsh Government’s flagship programme to help those living in the top 10% most deprived communities in Wales. It works to improve health, prosperity and access to education and learning.
A recent consultation by the Welsh Government suggests that the location of advice services has a large impact on whether people use them. The cost of travel, fear of being stigmatised and lack of awareness are all barriers to people turning for help.
This funding will allow advice services to be strengthened and be based in the communities that need them the most. Research also shows people on low incomes prefer face to face advice. This new money will go towards creating new outreach services to further reach these groups.
It is estimated that the new services will work with over 19,000 individuals.
This expansion of advice services is a key part of the Welsh Government’s Tackling Poverty Action Plan that targets resources to prevent poverty and its impact on people’s lives.
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert said: “Make no mistake these are tough times with families facing the triple impact of a struggling economy combined with cuts to public spending and welfare.
“Against this backdrop more people are turning for help and that is why we are providing £2.4 million to strengthen the advice services available in some of our most deprived communities. We want to make sure people have easy access to the best advice on welfare, housing and how to manage their money.”
Deputy Minister for Tackling Poverty Vaughan Gething said: “These services will be based directly where those who most need them live. Experience proves that this is the most effective way to help families that need support. We want to provide expert, specialist advice in areas where the need is greatest.”
