CAB request for more council funding

The request has been agreed by the leisure and development committee and was due to come before the monthly meeting of the full council last night (Monday).

Councillors Carol Black and Councillor John Hanna both said they were in agreement with providing the extra funding because CAB provides a “vital service”.

It was reported the organisation currently receives funding of £96,800, including £45,000 from Central Government. The Department for Social Development has provided an additional £8,000 for 2012/13.

However, concern was expressed by Councillor Marie Hamilton that CAB does not have a member of staff to attend appeals and clients are being referred to constituency offices.

It was also pointed out by the director of leisure and development that CAB pay rent of £16,000 per annum to a private landlord.

The money would be spent on a variety of items including seven computers, two scanners, two printers, IT maintenance contract and Azzuri Secure Network.