Coventry's Citizens Advice Bureau is set to axe half its support for thousands of the city’s most vulnerable people because of government cuts.
It says it is being forced – from next week – to stop taking on any new cases among low-income people and families needing legal representation over crippling debts or benefits claims.
It fears further problems in the future as the government plans to cut Legal Aid – which funds legal support for low-income people who cannot otherwise afford to take their cases to court or tribunals.
Legal Aid provides free legal representation for family court cases, benefits claims appeals including for disability benefits, as well as support in immigration, housing and employment tribunal cases.
In addition to Legal Aid cuts, the government is axing in March the Financial Inclusion Fund, which helps provide funding for the equivalent of nine full-time staff at Coventry CAB, who provide face-to-face debt advice to 1500 people a year.
Many Citizens Advice Bureaux say they will lay off staff, or close.
Charlie Gibbons, Coventry CAB chief executive, said it will cut its workload in half.
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How very conveneient for the government at a time when record numbers of claimants are being wrongfully turned down for welfare benefits!
