Town Council to continue to fund Citizen Advice services

Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has reason to celebrate as they proudly announce the success of their 2022-23 grant amounting to £4,382, awarded to the esteemed local resource, Citizens Advice Powys.

This significant grant has played a vital role in supporting the efforts of Citizens Advice Powys to provide free, confidential, and impartial information and advice to residents in need within Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn.

Citizens Advice Powys, an independent not-for-profit charity, operates with the support of dedicated partners, specialist staff, and volunteers who are passionate about promoting diversity, equality, and challenging discrimination within the community. Their unwavering commitment to empowering and enhancing lives is evident through their provision of tailored advice on various challenges, such as financial matters, housing, employment, and more. This ensures accessibility for all residents of Newtown.

The impact of the grant has been wide-ranging, with Citizens Advice Powys assisting 7 clients in accessing a staggering £28,954 in welfare benefits between January 1st and March 31st, 2023. Notably, 6 clients received new Personal Independent Awards, resulting in increased available income, including £3,609 in backdated payments and £19,078 in ongoing payments.

Building on the success of the previous year, the Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council has decided to continue their support by increasing the grant for 2023-24 to £4,475. This funding aims to further improve the well-being of residents within the community by providing essential advice appointments for urgent needs.

Aligning with the town council's commitment to inclusivity, Citizens Advice Powys checks individuals' postcodes to ensure they reside within the community boundaries. Their expert team offers personalised solutions, going the extra mile to accommodate those in need.

Ed Humphreys, Town Clerk said:

“Your town council has legal powers to assist voluntary organisations to provide information and advice about their rights”.

"This grant to Citizens Advice Powys for an extra service specifically for Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn demonstrates the point and is the equivalent of £1 per average household. It’s also an example of your town council working with others to enable people to fulfil their potential no matter what their background or circumstances and help make Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn a place in which people choose to live, learn, work and visit”

For those interested in learning more about Citizens Advice Powys and the valuable services they offer, please visit their website at www.powyscitizensadvice.org.uk.