Agenda item

The Chairman welcomed Angela Kerr, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice South Somerset (CASS) to the meeting.  With the aid of a powerpoint presentation she informed members of the work and future development of Citizens Advice South Somerset.  Information provided in the presentation included:

·         Client statistics and current work.

·         Client issues - majority were around benefits and tax credits, debt and housing;

·         Help could be accessed through many different channels, such as Skype, e-mail or face to face.

·         Across the network there had been an increase in the number of younger clients;

·         Ambitions for the future included extending outreach to weekly in every town; working more closely with health & other advice centres; continuing to invest in Skype and focusing on priority groups;

·         Business Plan for 2017-2020.

·         New volunteering and internship opportunities;

·         Working with various partners to help build confidence with Mental Health clients and Legal advice;

·         Fuel Poverty advice sessions;

·         Working closely with Surviving Winter Scheme and Wessex Water;

·         Working with SSDC to help support the requirements of the new Homeless Reduction Act.

During a brief discussion, the Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice South Somerset responded to member’s questions on points of detail.

The Chairman thanked the Chief Executive, Citizens Advice South Somerset for attending the meeting.