Citizens Advice Bureaux

HC Deb 14 October 1991 vol 196 cc8-9W

Mr. Wray

To ask the Prime Minister what support Her Majesty's Government are giving to the citizens advice bureaux throughout the United Kingdom.

The Prime Minister

The Department of Trade and Industry funds the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux—NACAB—and Citizens Advice Scotland—CAS—which provide the central support services for the local bureaux in England, Wales and Scotland. Similarly, the Northern Ireland Office funds the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux —NIACAB. Total grant-in-aid to NACAB, CAS and NIACAB for 1990–91 was £11.74 million. Grant-in-aid for the current financial year will be more than £12 million.

Although the Government do not fund individual citizens advice bureaux, directly, the money provided to the central organisations includes a provision to develop the local network through partnership agreements on a time limited basis.