Extra help from CAB

OLDHAM’S Citizens Advice Bureau is running surgeries to advise people on how they can access free, independent and impartial advice.

The service launched earlier this month at Access Oldham, formerly the One Stop Shop in Oldham Council’s Civic Centre.

It is available on Mondays, 9am-1pm and Wednesdays, 9.30-1.30 pm.

Oldham Council’s deputy leader and portfolio member for customer services, Councillor Jackie Stanton, said: “I welcome the fact that we are putting more services into the Access Oldham and helping people to seek advice during what is for many a difficult time.

“This shows how our local partners, including the Citizens Advice Bureau and Unity Partnership, are pulling together to deliver better services.”

CAB development officer, David Marks, added: “Additional funding has made it possible for us to extend the advice sessions we already offer in Oldham by working with the council and Unity Partnership.

“It’s hoped that the service will be extended further as additional volunteer advisers, once trained, become available.”

The surgeries, which will operate on a drop-in basis, will be provided by a trained CAB adviser who can offer advice on a range of issues including debt advice, disability allowances, immigration and housing.

The Citizens Advice service is using a £10m funding boost from the Government to extend its opening hours nationally, benefiting around 600,000 extra clients during the 14-month period from February to the end of March, 2010.