Ballymoney faces reduction of services from Causeway CAB?

Currently advice is available in the Town Hall on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. If funding is reduced it means that the service has to be cut accordingly and the Monday morning session will cease.

Manager Angela Welch said: “It would be a great pity to have to take such a retrograde step at this time when the demands on the Service are so great. The two Advice Workers who cover Ballymoney and Moyle say that the queues for the Town Hall are getting longer with each week.

“Many people have been made redundant and an increasing number are facing mortgage re-possession. The enquiries brought to the Outreach are complex frequently involving full Benefit checks, negotiation by the advisors on to creditors, Social Security Agency, HMRC etc. Ballymoney clients also benefit from referrals to our Money Advice Worker and Tribunal Representative. Last year our Tribunal Representative provided representation for 51 clients in Ballymoney Town Hall. She represented 58 in Coleraine.”

Provinding a dedicated service to the local community for 16 years, Angela continued: “We first started Outreach in Ballymoney back in 1994 when we operated a day a week in the Town Hall. Because of the need and with increased funding from Council the service was extended to two days a week. When DSD increased their grant to Councils for advice we were able to offer Ballymoney a third day. The uptake has been proof that the need exists.

“Last year for each 1 of grant the Bureau received from Ballymoney Borough Council they generated 16 for clients through benefit maximisation and Tribunal Representation. This is money that will be spent in the Borough.”

From Monday, August 23rd there will be an afternoon service only on Mondays. The Wednesday and Thursday service continues as normal.

Commenting on the reduced contribution to this service Alderman Frank Campbell, Chair of Leisure and Amenities Committee added: “ I recognise the value of advice services and regret that Council was forced to make a reduction in its contribution at the rate estimate in February.”

Continuing, the Alderman, who represents Council on the CAB, explained: “Council faced very difficult choices to deliver a relatively modest rate increase this year. This was one of a number of services which has reduced budget this year. Indeed it is disappointing that we are now facing a further cut to our grant from the Department of Environment and we have now to look at possible further cuts in-year.”