§ Dr. WrightTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what steps he proposes to take to extend the support and resources provided to citizens advice bureaux to enable them to meet their increased work load.
§ Mr. LeighThe Department of Trade and Industry funds the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux—NACAB—and the 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. Since 1982, the total grant in aid to these bodies has more than doubled from around £5.7 million in 1982–83 to around £12.6 million in 1991–92—an increase of more than 30 per cent. in real terms. Total grant in aid in 1992–93 is expected to be more than £.13.2 million, representing a 5 per cent. increase over 1991–92 which is above the rate of inflation.
The funding of individual bureaux is a matter for local authorities based on their own assessment of local needs and the resources available. However, although the Government do not fund individual citizens advice bureaux, directly, the grant in aid to the central organisation does include provision to develop the local network through partnership agreements with local authorities on a strictly time-limited basis.