Agenda item

The Committee received a presentation from Kate Sawdy, CEO, in respect of the work of Citizens Advice Surrey Heath.

Citizens Advice Surrey Heath (CASH) gave advice across a whole range of problems for people in Surrey Heath, including benefits, debt, housing, employment, family issues and immigration. CASH saw the ‘whole person’, and more than ever, clients were visiting CASH with multiple problems. CASH’s service was primarily delivered by highly trained volunteers and was quality assured by the national network to the highest standards. There was an emphasis for CASH to help their clients find solutions without escalation and that their service was always impartial, confidential and free.

CASH also collected data about their clients and their issues and used this information on a national but also a more local level in order to campaign for change where needed.

In January 2022, more than 270,000 people sought one-to-one advice from Citizens Advice across England and Wales, topping a previous high of 265,000 in November 2021.  24,000 required some type of crisis support such as food bank referrals and charitable payments - the highest on record for Citizens Advice.  In addition the number of people supported with energy debts hit more than 8,000, the highest on record.  The average energy debt of CASH clients with such cases now stood at £1,450, up from £1,330 in 2020.

On a local level, comparing the 21/22 financial year to 20/21, enquiries received by CASH relating to debt had increased by 56% and enquiries relating to utilities and communications bills had increased by 79%. However positively, enquiries regarding employment had fell by 22% on the previous year. Furthermore, CASH had experienced record numbers of enquiries in January including 257 enquiries in respect of the Household Support Fund.

Arising from Members’ questions and comments the following points were noted:

·         Part of CASH’s plan for 2022-25 was to increase the diversity and knowledge of its team of staff and volunteers. However, it was noted that it took at least 6 months of training before a CASH volunteer made a meaningful contribution to the organisation; and this made it difficult to successfully recruit and retain younger volunteers. The Council had the opportunity to offer social media support to CASH in respect of the recruitment of volunteers through digital channels. Furthermore, whilst CASH services and volunteering opportunities were already promoted via various community magazines, there was potential to further promote volunteering opportunities with CASH in Heathscene.

·         Outstanding work had been conducted in respect of promoting the Surrey Heath Hardship Fund. However, it was noted that in-need, eligible residents were still unaware of the fund, as demonstrated by recent referrals at the Old Dean Free Food Stall. It was noted that unfortunately applications for the fund closed, before the rise in the energy price cap due to take place on 1 April 2022.

·         In respect of the recruitment of volunteers there were potential opportunities to engage with groups such as the University of the Third Age and the Rotary Club. CASH had recently presented to a group of NHS staff, in respect of the service and long-term volunteering opportunities.

The Committee thanked Kate and her team for their continued work supporting those in need within Surrey Heath.