Over the past few years Herefordshire Citizens Advice has been facing uncertainty about its future. However, it is now confirmed that this valuable service, which offers free, independent advice, will continue to be available in Herefordshire, thanks to the help of local Citizens Advice neighbours and some of the local councils, including Ross-on-Wye.

Outreach services in Ross-on-Wye will continue thanks to the support of Ross Town Council. Citizens Advice services in Herefordshire are now being run by Worcester Citizens Advice, based in the existing office at St Owen Street, Hereford, with support from Shropshire Citizens Advice and South Worcestershire Citizens Advice.

All the services will remain the same, with people able to access the telephone helpline and attend face-to-face appointments for the same service at the same venues.

The continuation of the service has been due to support from existing funders, including Herefordshire Council (which continues to provide free accommodation in Hereford) and continued funding provided by Leominster, Ledbury and Ross Town Councils and, of course, Ross’s own volunteers.

In the near future, Citizens Advice will be aiming to recruit more volunteers and will be looking to secure extra funding so that it can keep providing help to people who have nowhere else to go.

Ross Town Council’s Clerk, Sarah Robson, said that the contribution from Ross Town Council “will be reviewed annually.”

She added: “The Council is looking at setting its budgets for next year and in the draft budget I have included provision for the continuation of advice services in Ross.”

From October 1st 2016 - September 29th 2017, Ross’s citizen’s advice has helped 58 people, involving just over £250,000 in total.

The highest advice in new claims and awards (£123,842.85), debt written off (75,270.89), personal independence payment (£69,885.75), attendance allowance (£40,175.20) and employment and support allowance (£39,096.10).

Over the last year, the most popular age range using Ross’ Citizens Advice has been between 46 - 55 years old, although all age ranges have used the service.

173 initial contacts were made, including 133 by phone or text, 38 by email, and two were listed as ‘other,’ and 61 specialist cases were advised, with 54 general advice and 43 appointments booked.

Regular appointments will continue, and are offered on alternate Mondays from Ross Library.