The Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureaux service has recently been on the receiving end of some criticism from both the Ross Town and Rural Parish Councils about the level of service in that part of the county. And now Chris Boote, Chairman of Herefordshire Citizens Advice Bureaux has issued a warning that CAB services are at risk across the whole county.

"The CAB is facing enormous demands on services, as people struggle to cope financially, are facing problems at work or with housing, or are being affected by the seismic changes to welfare benefits provision. But just as the economic climate is impacting individuals, it is also affecting the organizations best placed to help," said Chris Boote "and through the summer, Herefordshire CAB must consider how it can best continue to provide advice services within a reduced budget".

"The need and demand for CAB services across Herefordshire is not in question" added Mr Boote, "We are passionate advocates for high quality, legal advice services to be freely available to those who most need them, and there is a strong case to increase CAB services across the entire county. However, the CAB is a charity with limited funding and whilst the service is free to the individual, it is not free to provide."

He said that the organisation has been working for some time with Herefordshire Council to find a sustainable solution for the funding of the CAB service, and this work will continue over the next few months as the CAB looks towards a service delivery plan for 2013 and beyond.