Democracy Spraffa

Argyll and Bute Citizen's Advice Bureau

Argyll and Bute Council · 16 August 2022
Back to Bute and Cowal Area Community Planning Group — 16 August 2022 and its agenda

Text extracted from the council's PDF. Layout and reading order may differ from the original.

Original council PDF · Download plain text

Page 1

Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau Community Planning Update August
2022
The Bureau has been extremely busy over the last few months seeing an unprecedented rise in
requests for advice and support from clients across all areas of Argyll & Bute. 
We celebrated our 20th Anniversary in May at a small event for staff, volunteers and invited guests,
where we recognised the contribution the Bureau has made over those 20years to the 93,000 clients
and increasing the local economy by approx. £12 million. This year is already demonstrating a similar
benefit with us securing £1.1 million in client financial gain for around 1100 clients. 
The costs of living crisis has pushed our energy enquiries up by 89% between September and July
compared to the same period the previous year. And the bureau has been working very hard to
reduce waiting times which are currently sitting at approximately 6 weeks for non-urgent cases. Our
case numbers overall have increased by 31%. 
We have relocated in Helensburgh to the Helensburgh Community Hub 116 East Princes Street,
Helensburgh G84 7DQ and are looking forward to better partner collaborations with other
organisations located in the Hub.  
Our Volunteer Adviser training Programme recommences in September, more information is on our
website www.abcab.org.uk  and application packs are available for interested trainees from
info@abcab.org.uk 
We have been attending local events, highland games and local shows over the last few months and
engaged with the council’s welcome Ukrainian Refugee events in Dunoon and Oban recently. If
partners are aware of local events that they think would benefit with the attendance of our selves
they are asked to let us know by emailing info@abcab.org.uk 
The Bureau will hold our A.G.M on the 22nd Nov and invite partners to join the Bureau as a member
to help shape the strategic direction and future work of the Bureau. (an application is attached)

Page 2

Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau 
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP 
Under the Memorandum and Articles of the Argyll and Bute Citizens Advice Bureau
you are required to become a member in order to be able to vote at the Annual
General Meeting. 
I, NAME                                                                      (Block capitals) 
ADDRESS                                             (Block capitals) 
Post code     
Signed             
Date                 
wish to be registered as a member of Argyll & Bute Citizens Advice Bureau, a
Company Limited by Guarantee and not having a share capital, under the following
category.           
(Please tick appropriate box below) 
A) “LOCAL RESIDENT MEMBER” - open to any individual (aged 16 or over) who
resides in the Operating Area of Argyll & Bute.       
B) “LOCAL GROUP MEMBER” - open to any individual who is nominated for
membership by a voluntary, statutory or other organisation or body operating within
the Operating Area or by a department of a statutory organisation or other body
operating within the Operating Area.         
C) “VOLUNTEER WORKER MEMBER” - open to any individual who is a member of
the volunteer staff of the bureau        
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Charity Number   SC030477 Company Limited by Guarantee  Number SC231152
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