Ongoing discussions between Wrexham Council & Citizen’s Advice explore ‘support’ for service

Wrexham’s Citizens Advice service could see further support from Wrexham council firmed up later this year with ongoing meetings indicating an intention from Wrexham Council to help.

In May 2018 members of the council’s labour group calling for a £50,000 grant to safeguard the future and viability of Wrexham’s CAB, although there was an argument at the time on if the CAB needed £0, £25k or £50k.

The motion was referred straight to the next executive board meeting without debate, with councillors told at the time that: “If the subject matter of any motion of which notice has been duly given comes within the province of any Committee or Committees it shall, upon being moved and seconded, stand referred without discussion to such Committee or Committees, or to such other Committee or Committees as the Council may determine, for consideration and report.”

Speaking this morning at the first executive board meeting of the year, Cllr Dana Davies requested an update on the situation and questioned when further details of financial support for the service would be available.

She said: “The labour group presented a notice of motion in May 2018 calling on the council to support our local Citizens Advice service with a grant of £50,000 in this current financial year and to undertake a review of future funding needs.

“The motion was referred to the executive board in June 2018 for consideration in accordance with standing order 74.

“At the executive board a grant of £25,000 was approved to avoid the immediate closure of Citizens Advice Service here in Wrexham.

“The executive board also resolved that officers in consultation with the relevant lead members would continue to engage with the CAB with a view of securing the long term viability of their advice services

“Could Cllr Hugh Jones provide an update to members with the position of the review and also confirm what ongoing financial support he is recommending this board put in place to secure the future of the Citizens Advice service in Wrexham?”

Cllr Hugh Jones, deputy leader of Wrexham Council, said that a four meetings had already taken place and that a recommendation is expected to be made in the near future following another meeting later this month.

Cllr Jones continued: “I gave an assurance at the executive board in June that officers with myself would continue to work with Citizens Advice first of all to ensure the 25k given would enable cab to continue to deliver services in Wrexham and secondly at ongoing basis to look at ways we can provide support to enable that service to continue.

“We value the service and it is important to the people of Wrexham and we recognise that.

“Four meetings have taken place already and there is a further meeting scheduled for later this month between officer and Citizens Advice. Following that meeting I will make a recommendation on the basis of work carried out by officers and that will be around the future support for Citizens Advice in Wrexham.”

As of yet no details have been made public on if the £25k or £50k figure was the correct ‘ask’, or if any further funding will come from a designated ongoing budget rather than a single one off grant, however future reports and recommendations could clear up such outstanding questions.