Cornwall Council’s funding of Citizens Advice Cornwall
Is Cornwall Council really cutting funds to Citizens Advice Cornwall? This post is based on a press statement from the Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council, Julian German.
Julian German, Deputy Leader of Cornwall Council explains
Cornwall Council has reinforced its commitment to finding a sustainable future for Citizens Advice Cornwall.
Deputy Leader Julian German said the Council had made no decisions but remained committed to ensuring people in Cornwall who needed face-to-face support would continue to receive a service.
“The last Council (pre May 2017) voted to cut funding for Citizens Advice Cornwall (CAC) to zero from April. While we have a tough challenge to find £75 million of savings, on top of £300 million already delivered, we are committed to securing a sustainable future for CAC.
“The debt and welfare challenges people are facing under this Government’s austerity agenda are real and that’s why we remain committed to finding a solution.”
The Council had budgeted £0 for the organisation in the budget from April but is keen to provide continued funding and is consulting on a draft proposal of £153,000 to ensure those most in need can still access services.
People can have their say on the proposal through a survey on the Cornwall Council website:
“We are working with CAC to explore all of the ways that the Council can support them. For example, we are considering whether we can offer them office space in Cornwall Council buildings to cut their overheads,” Cllr German said.
“We all want a sustainable future for CAC but we are also faced with tough financial challenges and the reality that the Council budget is not limitless.
“We are also pushing to ensure Citizens Advice Cornwall are getting a fair share of national funding.”
The Council remains in discussion with CAC, with Councillors Paynter, Hannaford and Mitchell also recently meeting with CAC to consider a way forward.
Budget proposals will be considered by full Council in February 2018. Cornwall Council is challenged with finding another £75 million in savings by April 2021. This is in addition to the £300 million in savings that it has already had to make since 2009.