Five Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB) centres in Glasgow have been saved from closure, but still face significant funding cuts from Glasgow City Council.
The authority today voted to approve a 'transition fund' for the five CAB centres previously facing permanent closure after they were knocked back from lifeline cash from the Glasgow Communities Fund.
The new fund will see the adivice sector hit with immediate cuts to funding for CABs in October, then a larger cut of around 30 per cent in March.
Others are facing funding cuts of up to 50 per cent in key areas such as Parkhead CAB’s volunteering and employability services.
Citizens Advice in Glasgow is warning that the impact of these cuts will mean vulnerable people will struggle gaining access to advice.
Last year, the eight bureaux in Glasgow helped 23,000 people issuing over 70,000 pieces of advice - generating over £20million in client financial gains.
A 30 per cent reduction in bureaux capacity could see as many as 7000 people miss out at a time when Glaswegians will face rising unemployment and debt issues.
Frank Mosson, Manager of Bridgeton Citizens Advice Bureau, said: “While the money approved by Glasgow City Council today is welcome it still leaves all organisations facing at least a 30 per cent cut from next March.
"Of grave concern is the news that Parkhead CAB has a 50 per cent cut in their previous funds and we are seeking further clarity from officers.
“This will have a serious impact upon the most vulnerable in our communities who seek to access our services, particularly as unemployment increases, the furlough scheme winds down and debt rises.
“Thousands of people will not be able to access our free advice just as it is needed most.
“Our message to the public, who have been overwhelming in their support in recent weeks, is that our doors are still open and for the rest of the year we’ll work to ensure people can get the advice they need. But there is a real risk in the next year that we simply won’t be able to cope with demand given the reductions we’ll be seeing.
“The potential knock-on effects for that for other social services in the city, including the health services, housing and social work, will just increase the strain overall."
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: “Applications for grant support totalled well over double the total value of the fund and, unfortunately, this was always going to mean disappointment for some organisations with applications that scored less highly during assessment.
“However, it is important to be clear that no applicant received the full grant they sought – and that this was to ensure as many organisations as possible received at least partial support.
“Members have now agreed £4 million in additional funding to support organisations in key sectors while they develop sustainable financial models for the future. That brings the total funding allocated to third sector and community organisations in Glasgow to more than £60 million since March.”
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