Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies was given an update on the latest varied and complex problems people in Denbighshire have been asking Citizens Advice for help with, during a Parliamentary reception earlier this year.
James joined Citizens Advice at the reception in the Houses of Parliament in March, where he was shown an interactive map of the Vale of Clwyd.
The map shows that in 2019 Citizens Advice helped 3,018 people in the area with 24,579 issues. The top five problems people needed assistance with were: Benefits and Tax Credits, Debt, Universal Credit, Utilities and Communications and Consumer Goods and Services.
They also dealt with 61 cases of threatened homelessness and 35 actual homelessness cases.
According to its latest Impact Report, Citizens Advice helps to solve four in five of people’s problems when they ask for help. This reduces the number of people who turn to public services for support on welfare, health and housing issues.
For every £1 invested in the Citizens Advice service, the government and public services save £2 - amounting to £420 million last year.
James said: “Citizens Advice has been on the frontline helping people for the past 80 years which means they have incredible insight into the problems people face.
“I’m always keen to find new and inventive ways of staying informed about the concerns of my constituents and the Citizens Advice’s local data shows strong evidence on which to act.
“Citizens Advice - with its army of volunteers - is tremendous at providing support for people living in the Vale of Clwyd, and I will continue to work closely with them for the benefit of residents.”
Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
“It was great that James was able to join us. Our interactive maps highlight the issues we see on the ground in the Vale of Clwyd.
“The right advice and support can transform lives. Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward.
“It’s important people can access free and impartial advice when they need it, whether face to face, over the phone or online. We’re pleased to work with MPs to help them solve their constituents’ problems and address local and national issues.”
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice to people across the Vale of Clwyd and operate branches in Rhyl (01745 334568) and Denbigh (01745 814336).
The national website provides advice online, over email and via web chat at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
