Member Article

MP praises the work of Citizen's Advice Darlington

Jenny Chapman celebrates the work of Citizens Advice Darlington as the charity reveals the top problems.

Labour MP Jenny Chapman has said Citizens Advice Darlington is a vital front line service that supports people to overcome the challenges they face.

Last year, Citizens Advice Darlington helped people in Darlington with 26,945 problems. The top five most common problems were:

Debt; Benefits; Income maximisation; Relationships and family; Employment.

Evidence shows that 99% of Citizens Advice Darlington clients said they were more than happy with the quality of advice given by Citizens Advice Darlington.

Ms Chapman said: “Citizens Advice Darlington is a vital front line service that supports people to overcome the challenges they face. As your local Member of Parliament I am acutely aware of how issues such as debt, benefits and income maximisation affect the area. I intend to work closely with the bureau in Darlington to tackle these problems head on.”

Neeraj Sharma, chief executive of Citizens Advice Darlington said: “The right advice can help people find a way forward. It’s very reassuring to know the charity has the backing of MP Jenny Chapman, who recognises the difference free and impartial advice can make to people going through difficult times. Working together with Ms Chapman, we want to empower people to address their problems so they can change their situation for the better.”

Last year, for every £1 spent on the Citizens Advice service nationally, clients benefited by £10.94, government and public services saved at least £1.51, and a minimum estimate of Citizens Advice’s social and economic value to society was £8.74. As a result of Citizens Advice Darlington intervention, £4,194,952 was secured for the residents of Darlington last year.

Mr Sharma said: “The value of advice can never be overstated. Ensuring people secure their correct entitlement to benefits, employment rights, redundancy payments, money and debt management can enable people to maintain their ability to pay essential bills such as mortgage and rent payments. This in turn reduces the impact of the recession and means that the threat of eviction and poverty are greatly reduced.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Citizens Advice Darlington .