Agenda item

Report of the Democratic Services Manager.

The Chair welcomed representatives from the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) to the Committee. As part of the council’s Partnership Review Programme, the CAB delivered a presentation outlining their operational activities, current challenges, and the impact of their services on residents. Key highlights were as follows:

It was noted that the local CAB had been selected as a delivery partner in a new service providing support to residents with energy debt. Recruitment had been scheduled to commence for up to twenty-two new members of staff. The roles had been described as skilled positions designed to expand the organisation’s capacity to support residents with complex issues. It was further noted that these new roles had not only strengthened the organisation’s ability to deliver vital services but had also created employment opportunities for local people.

The CAB reported that they had continued to take part in a wide range of community events to raise awareness of their services. They attended public events including the Arnot Hill event and the Kinshot Road Show, engaged in radio interviews, and participated in awareness-raising initiatives such as the “Credit Pause Café,” which encouraged residents to feel comfortable discussing financial matters in a relaxed environment.

The CAB had highlighted the essential contribution made by volunteers, who had undertaken a variety of roles including advice provision, administration, research, fundraising, and trustee responsibilities. It was noted that volunteers had collectively contributed over nine thousand hours during the previous year, which had been formally recognised when the High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire had presented an award acknowledging their service. It was also explained that volunteering had helped individuals develop new skills and confidence, with some volunteers progressing into employment, including apprenticeship programmes.

Citizens Advice provided an overview of the Advice on Prescription program, which had been delivered for approximately three years across several primary care networks. This service enabled GPs and Social Prescribing to refer residents directly to Citizens Advice for support with non-medical challenges contributing to poor wellbeing. It was reported that the program had been highly valued by health professionals who often struggled to address these complex social issues during clinical appointments. The program was nominated for an Integrated Care Board Health Award.

The CAB shared case studies demonstrating the positive outcomes achieved through their services. One case involved a resident who received support to successfully claim a backdated severe disability payment amounting to approximately fourteen thousand pounds, enabling essential improvements to their home. Another case related to a resident who had been underpaid Employment Support Allowance; following support from Citizens Advice, the resident secured the correct entitlement, using the funds to install a walk-in shower. This adaptation not only improved their wellbeing but also prevented potential injuries.

The Chair then gave Members the opportunity to ask questions of the CAB.

Members queried what the CAB expected their main challenges would be over the next 12 months.

It was noted that the cost of living crisis would be the most difficult issue to contend with going forward.

Members had commended the work of the volunteers and had queried the methods used by the CAB to recruit new members.

It was noted that the CAB had opened recruitment programmes over a period of two to three weeks; however, it was further noted that recruitment had been less of an issue compared to the CAB’s limited resources to support the volunteers.

Members queried how successful the managed migration programmes to Universal Credit were.

It was noted that the managed migration programme was expected to complete by early 2026 with great success.

Members had noted that charities were experiencing funding pressures and had asked what the CAB would have liked to achieve if such pressures were resolved.

It was noted that the CAB would have been empowered to help more residents if its funding streams had been increased. It was further noted that some social prescribing programmes had recently come to an end, which unfortunately had resulted in fewer people receiving essential support.

RESOLVED:

The Chair thanked the CAB for attending the meeting and the information provided.