Sally Causer, Development Manager, will give an introduction to the services provided by the network.
Minutes:
Sally Causer, the network’s co-ordinator explained it was a partnership of legal advice centres in the borough. The partnership was led by the Citizens’ Advice Bureau but was made up of nine independent advice centres. The partnership’s aim was to increase access to advice, particularly to the vulnerable members of the borough.
It offered advice on debt, benefits, employment and housing issues. The front line services had been a lot busier during the recent economic difficulties and the partnership worked closely with statutory service providers. Sally added that she would be happy to speak to other groups on the services offered where that would be of help.
Members expressed concern over the number of loan shops and pawn shops that had opened recently. Sally explained that those on the lowest incomes had the least access to affordable credit. The network worked closely with the credit union and tried to move people beyond a crisis debt situation. It was about educating people about what their priority debts were such as rent and council tax.