£143,000 helps to fund advice sites (From Witney Gazette)

£143,000 helps to fund advice sites

8:40am Tuesday 11th April 2006 in Witney By Maddy Biddulph

THE Citizens' Advice Bureau which serves west Oxfordshire has been given a £143,000 grant, which will help it to continue providing its invaluable service for those in need.

The cash from West Oxfordshire District Council will go towards the CAB's core work in its offices in Witney and Chipping Norton.

The charity, which is partially funded by public spending, provides free information and advice on issues like debt management, housing, asylum and consumer complaints.

Of the £143,000 investment, £52,000 will be split between two special projects the rural advice project and the partnership project.

The first is a home visiting service for the sick, elderly, disabled and people with transport difficulties.

The second initiative enables the bureau to provide essential training, administration and supervision to support the service.

CAB manager Barbara Shaw said: "We are very grateful for the continued vital support of the district council.

"With their backing, we were able to give advice on over 19,000 issues last year and to help residents of west Oxfordshire who are vulnerable, sick or disabled claim an additional £1m of benefits."

Mary Neale, the council's cabinet member for finance, said: "The Citizens' Advice Bureau provides an excellent service helping people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free information and advice."

The charity is funded through grants, with the biggest contribution coming from the district council.

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the charity can make cheques payable to West Oxon CAB Appeal, and send them to Witney CAB, 33a High Street, Witney, OX8 6HP.

The CAB can be contacted on 01993 705691.