Alex Cunningham has thanked staff and volunteers at Citizens Advice Bureaux across Stockton-on-Tees for providing constituents with the advice and support they need to solve their problems.
At an event in Westminster, the Stockton North MP met people from across the Citizens Advice service, hearing about the invaluable insight local Citizens Advice have about problems experienced by his constituents. Common issues reported locally include queries about benefits, debt problems, employment and housing.
And the Labour Member of Parliament learned more about the free, confidential and impartial advice available to people in the Stockton borough, whether face-to-face, over the telephone or online through email or via web chat.
Nationally, the Citizens Advice service helps 2.5 million people per year with 6.2 million issues. Evidence shows that the charity helps to solve problems for two-thirds of people and, where problems can’t be fully resolved, Citizens Advice will work with relevant local and national organisations to help sort out systemic issues.
Alex said:
“Citizens Advice do a great job in helping people across the borough solve their problems, and developing the skills and confidence people need to help themselves. As the local Member of Parliament, I am keen to work closely with the charity to make sure people get access to the help they need and that we tackle any local issues together.
“Volunteers are the bedrock of the Citizens Advice service, so I would like to pay special thanks to the people not just in Stockton and Billingham, but across the wider Tees Valley, who give up their own time to help others and recognise their contribution to our local community.”
Citizens Advice Chief Executive, Gillian Guy, said: “The right advice and support can transform lives. Local Citizens Advice solve the problems for two-in-three of our clients, and empower people to develop the skills and confidence they need to help themselves.
“It’s really important that people are able to access free and impartial advice as and when they need it, whether face to face, over the phone or online. We’re pleased to work with MPs to help them solve their constituents’ problems and address local and national issues.”
