Purpose

Funding for Norfolk Citizens Advice Debt Adviser Provision and Core Funding

Ref: 056A-PA-26 Norfolk Citizens Advice Service.

Decision

To approve funding to Norfolk Citizens Advice for debt adviser provision and core funding, subject to confirmation of the agreed funding amount, budget availability, any grant agreement requirements, monitoring arrangements and the relevant delegated authority.

Reasons for the decision

To support the continuation of Norfolk Citizens Advice provision for residents, including specialist debt adviser support and core advice services. The funding will help maintain access to independent, impartial and locally accessible advice for residents experiencing financial difficulty, debt, cost-of-living pressures and related issues, supporting early intervention and helping to prevent escalation of need.

Alternative options considered

·         Do nothing / provide no funding: this is not recommended because it would reduce capacity for debt advice and wider advice support for residents.

·         Provide reduced funding: this is not recommended as it may limit the ability of Norfolk Citizens Advice to maintain an effective and accessible service.

·         Procure alternative provision: this was not considered proportionate where Norfolk Citizens Advice already provides established, independent and locally accessible advice services for residents.