WIREDGOV

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy, comments as the Government sets out its spending plans for the next four years.

“This Spending Review offers relief to households braced for tax credit cuts but sets a long term challenge for local government.

“A growing economy, more people in work and rising wages will bring benefits to households but there’s still a long way to go before families have financial security.  The Government needs to look at tackling insecure work and the issues around the availability and flexibility of childcare to make sure people are able to earn enough to pay the bills each month.

“The change to tax credit cuts is a welcome relief but more changes to Universal Credit are yet to come. It is important people can access help and support so they can plan their finances in order to adapt.

“This Spending Review has given local authorities more responsibility for providing services for local people and Citizens Advice can play an important role in helping councils deliver this effectively.

“People rely on local Citizens Advice to get the help they need to solve their problems.  By continuing to invest in local Citizens Advice councils not only recognise the importance of these services and the value for money they offer, but also that Citizens Advice saves government and public services at least £360 million every year.”

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visitcitizensadvice.org.uk
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.