Pleas for Walsall Council to drop 'disgraceful' proposal to cut funding to vital advice service

The authority is considering removing its £240,000 annual grant to the Sandwell & Walsall Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) as part of its proposed budget for 2023/24.

But the move has been criticised for coming at a time when people are struggling with bills during the cost of living crisis.

Councillor Pete Smith, independent councillor for the Blakenall ward, said the service adds more to the economy than it costs through the help it gives struggling residents.

Walsall Council said the proposal, along with the rest of the draft budget is currently out for public consultation and urged people to take part.

In an email to councillors, the CAB said: “It is understood that Walsall Council is in a difficult position and needs to make some tough decisions.

“Citizens Advice appreciates the support they’ve shown over the years, which has allowed tens of thousands of people to be helped.

“The council are urged to rethink their proposal to end the funding for advice in the borough.

“Citizens Advice offers a vital service to people in extreme need that’s also value for money as this helps prevent  people’s problems from worsening.”

Councillor Smith said: “It is disgraceful. The CAB is a household name and known by most people in the borough as it’s been around for so long.

“To effectively close it down by withdrawing the grant would be a false economy and a backward and unpopular move, I’m sure.

“The CAB generates more income than it receives. It puts more into the economy by helping people than it costs Walsall Council to keep it running.

“At a time like this with the energy bill crisis and food prices going through the roof and with personal debt on the increase – and it increases at Christmas anyway – the CAB is needed more than ever.

“I’m seeing people queueing up for food tokens or ringing up because they need help with energy bills.

“I would urge members of the public to take part in the consultation, particularly calling for this to be reversed and would urge the controlling group to drop this proposal after the consultation.”

Councillor Mike Bird, leader of Walsall Council said: “The council’s draft budget is out for public consultation at the moment and I hope our residents speak up and have their say, but they do need to complete the survey to ensure their voices are heard.

“We take consultation seriously and want to hear people’s constructive views.

“Consultation on the draft budget goes to around 7,000 businesses in the borough as well as being open to residents.

“The outcomes of the consultation may influence decisions made by cabinet.

“But then, as the draft budget is potentially questioned and discussed at scrutiny panels, other issues may arise and they will all be conscientiously considered in the decision-making process before the final draft budget is put to council.”

To read the budget proposals and take part in the consultation, visit walsall.gov.uk/budgethaveyoursay, email comments to budgetconsultation@walsall.gov.uk or write to Budget Consultation, Walsall Council, Darwall Street, Walsall WS1 1TP.