Issue - meetings

The Board welcomed Jo Jones, from Halton Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), who gave an overview on the services offered in the Borough. CAB offered a free, confidential, impartial and independent advice and information on a wide range of subjects. In addition to this, they also provided advocacy and mental health support, access to charitable grants, volunteer training, budgeting skills and financial literacy programme, employability support and research and campaigning. In 2024/25 CAB Halton had assisted 7,695 people/households, advised on 54,116 different issues and achieved £6.2m income gains. The presentation detailed the impact the service had achieved for people in the Borough in terms of economic value and as a voice for local people. It also set out the future of the service for 2025/26 and beyond and gave case study examples.

Members requested further information on the impact on the Council Welfare Advice Service since the reduction in Council funding towards Halton CAB and the type of public enquiries received.

          Jo Jones was thanked for her informative presentation.

RESOLVED:  That the presentation and comments made be noted.