Latest Public Sector News

15.05.13

Welsh government reviews advice services

The Welsh government has published a review into services providing free advice for the public, as they manage reduced funding and rising demand.

Organisations such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and Shelter Cymru have been analysed to ensure people can still access the services they need.

The entire sector is expected to lose around £3.36m over the next 18 months, with the equivalent of 50 full time jobs disappearing, the report states.

Minister for communities & tackling poverty Huw Lewis said: “Thousands of people every week rely on free advice to cope with the demands on their lives. The support these not-for-profit organisations provide is more crucial than ever given the current tough times. These organisations are facing a huge squeeze on their funding at the very time when more people are turning to them for help. Expert, specialist advice in many areas will simply disappear.

“The economic downturn, the cuts being imposed by the UK Government and the changes to welfare are combining to make a perfect storm. This review will help us create a picture of what services are currently available in Wales and how best to help the sector in the difficult times ahead.

“There is evidence suggesting that money invested in advice services can potentially save the tax payer in the long run. Given the unprecedented pressure on the Welsh Government’s budget, we will not be able to take on the burden of funding all services, but I want to make sure people do not fall through the cracks given the changes.”

Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]

Comments

There are no comments. Why not be the first?

Add your comment

related

public sector executive tv

more videos >

last word

Prevention: Investing for the future

Prevention: Investing for the future

Rob Whiteman, CEO at the Chartered Institute of Public Finance (CIPFA), discusses the benefits of long-term preventative investment. Rising demand, reducing resource – this has been the r more > more last word articles >

public sector focus

View all News

comment

Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

21/06/2019Peter Kyle MP: It’s time to say thank you this Public Service Day

Taking time to say thank you is one of the hidden pillars of a society. Bei... more >
How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

19/06/2019How community-led initiatives can help save the housing shortage

Tom Chance, director at the National Community Land Trust Network, argues t... more >

interviews

Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

17/12/2018Artificial intelligence: the devil is in the data

It’s no secret that the public sector and its service providers need ... more >