Council revenue funding helps Citizens Advice reach thousands across the borough
Citizens Advice Test Valley has been awarded the first of three annual instalments of more than £301,000 per year for the next three years through Test Valley Borough Council’s Revenue Grants Scheme, enabling the charity to continue delivering essential advice and support services to thousands of residents.
The organisation has supported almost 6,000 people in the past year alone, with outcomes valued at £1.1 million - thanks in part to this vital funding from the borough council.
Citizens Advice Test Valley offers free, impartial, and confidential advice across a broad range of issues, helping residents navigate everything from debt and benefits to housing and consumer problems. With two main offices in Romsey and Andover, and outreach services at local foodbanks, the team - supported largely by volunteers - ensures help is accessible to people right across the borough, including rural areas.
Over the past few years, the council’s revenue grant has enabled Citizens Advice Test Valley to launch new initiatives such as its innovative Advice First Aid project, as well as expand its team to enable people to get the help they need. The funding also plays a crucial role in keeping its doors open and services running five days a week.
Ange Moon, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Test Valley, said; “Without the generous grant given to us by Test Valley each year, and the goodwill and commitment of our volunteers, the service provided to the community would be very different - or may not even exist. We are proud of the difference our service makes to the lives of people in our area and remain extremely grateful for the continued support.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North, said; “Citizens Advice Test Valley is a lifeline to many people in our community. This funding is an investment in the wellbeing of our borough - helping residents find a way forward during times of stress and uncertainty, and ensuring no one has to face complex problems alone.”
Cabinet member for Finance and Resources, Cllr Maureen Flood, added; “This is exactly the kind of project our revenue funding is designed to support. The work Citizens Advice does, has a lasting impact, empowering residents, easing pressure on other services, and building stronger communities for the next generation.”
Citizens Advice Test Valley works closely with local organisations, including foodbanks, Mind, Unity, housing associations and the borough council itself, to ensure people in crisis have somewhere to turn. Their day-to-day work also feeds into national campaigns, helping to influence government policy based on real experiences from local people.