§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what information he has on the impact of the poll tax on the demand for help and advice from citizens advice bureaux.
§ Mr. LeighCitizens advice bureaux have had to deal with a number of inquiries arising from the introduction of the community charge, just as they used to on rates. The number of inquiries on the community charge, rose in 1989–90 compared to 1988–89, but there was no significant change in the total number of inquiries dealt with by bureaux in 1989–90 compared to 1988–89. Figures relating to the current financial year are not yet available.
The Department of Environment has agreed to give the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux £36,000 this year to help with the costs of training bureaux workers to deal with these inquiries. The Scottish Office has also given Citizens Advice Scotland £36,000 over the last two years for the same purpose.