Office dealing with nearly 200 enquiries every week10,000 people seek help from CAB in Lisburn

The news the CAB was dealing with an average of 200 cases a month was given to Lisburn City Council by the Bureau last week.

During the meeting, Citizens Advice Bureau Chairman Mr Martin Busch, and Money Advisor Mr John Belshaw highlighted the wide-ranging services offered by the Bureau and said benefit and debt issues were the biggest concerns for Citizens Advice Bureau clients.

“Anybody can find themselves in debt and seeking advice, which can in itself be confusing” Mr Belshaw said. “The Citizen’s Advice Bureau provides free impartial face to face advice. For some seeking our help it may be about helping them to manage their household budget more effectively. A few pounds here and a few pounds there can make a big difference.

“For others we can help consolidate their debt and negotiate with lenders. We can also help clients through the insolvency process.

“In recent years there has been a massive increase in debt management problems. In 2008 in Northern Ireland there were 373 home possession orders granted. Last year there were 1,034.

“Our advice is to seek help sooner rather than later,” said Mr Belshaw.

The CAB Chairman, Mr Busch said that informing clients about benefit entitlements was also a key part of their service.

“Last year Lisburn Citizens Advice Bureau generated £1.2 million in benefits for the people of Lisburn, including older people, those with disabilities and the unemployed. This is £1.2 million that has been invested in the local economy, benefiting all our Community” he said.

“The Citizens Advice Bureau, through its employees and volunteers, assists local families in many different ways and I would encourage anybody worried about their current situation to contact us at The Bridge Community Centre.”

The Mayor, Councillor Brian Heading, who invited the Bureau to make the presentation, paid tribute to their ‘invaluable work’.

“In these difficult times, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau has provided a lifeline for many” he said. “The fact that over 10,000 people needed its help last year is staggering. I would on behalf of the Council, like to thank all present and Mr John Maxwell and his team including 18 volunteers, for the vital service they provide to this city.”