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Free advice remains in new deal with Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire
01/12/2022
The service has been redesigned based on information on how people have been using it
Anyone needing advice on money, housing, benefits and other issues will continue being able to get this impartially and for free, after Cherwell District Council renewed a contract for the service with Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire.
The scheme has been part of the Council’s Homelessness and Rough Sleeping Strategy. Moving forward Councillors have acknowledged that the cost-of-living crisis could mean a wider section of the community may need advice.
Data shows that more people prefer to contact the service using their website or over the phone, so this provision has been increased. For those who want to engage in person the number of community surgeries has also been added to.
The redesigned service will cost the Council £150,000 per year, for a two-year contract. This is around £100,000 less per year than the old contract.
Councillor Phil Chapman, Portfolio Holder for Healthy Communities, said: “We have a longstanding and highly successful relationship with Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire, who have done excellent work throughout the pandemic helping our residents and who have been in charge of the money advice service for a number of years.
“Previously the service has focussed on money advice for people at risk of homelessness. We’re now giving it a wider remit helping support our residents through the cost of living crisis.
“Getting the right advice can make the world of difference for individuals, such as dealing with problem debt and accessing benefits. But there is also a wider social benefit to the district in terms of inclusion, community cohesion, health and wellbeing.
“People will be able to get general advice about local services, benefits entitlements and assistance from food banks and charities, as well as legal advice referrals. This latest commission is informed by a range of data both on how this service was used in the past, and showing that there is an ongoing need for it.
“I do recommend anyone in need of advice in north Oxfordshire to contact CANO’s friendly and knowledgeable team.”
The decision to enter into a new contract with Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire follows a tender exercise and was confirmed by a meeting of the council executive on 7 November.
People can contact Citizens Advice North Oxfordshire on 03444 111444 or by entering their postcode at this website.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam