Emergency support scheme to help those in crisis is vital lifeline

Government needs to make sure there is a local scheme that provides emergency help to people in crisis, says Citizens Advice as the Local Government Association asks the government to rethink its decision to get rid of the Local Welfare Assistance fund.

Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said:

“Families in crisis will be out on a limb if emergency support is completely withdrawn.  Rising prices for food, energy and housing means people are finding it difficult to make ends meet.  This coupled with significant changes in circumstances, like sudden loss of income or the threat of losing their home, means more and more people are finding themselves in crisis situations.  Citizens Advice helped with 12 per cent more problems of threatened homelessness in July to September 2013 compared to the same period in 2012 and we expect to give out 100,000 food vouchers this year.  Without any emergency help to provide food, heating, lighting and essential appliances families will be desperately impoverished.

“Councils face a real challenge in deciding how to prioritise their spending which could result in possible trade-offs between meeting statutory duties and providing crisis support. Some may be considering putting council tax up, which will make it even harder for struggling households.  If the Government really wants to help low income families and ensure there is a safety net to support those who fall on hard times, it needs offer suitable emergency support.  A local scheme, which is appropriately funded and is well communicated, providing people with the help they urgently need to avoid dire financial circumstances is a vital lifeline for households.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. To find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk. You can also get advice online at adviceguide.org.uk
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers
5. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.3 million clients on 5.4 million problems from October 2013 to September 2014. For full 2013/2014  service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 3,000 service outlets across England and Wales.