VITAL service Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will not close its doors this month after funding has been secured. 

The “lifeline” Paisley based organisation – which offers free advice to those in need – was in dire straits after a council tendering process left bosses struggling to cover basic running costs. 

There were genuine fears from within the service that 22 jobs could be lost, prompting a series of urgent meetings between council officers and CAB management to secure its future. 

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Almost £70,000 has been found – in addition to a £1.011 million three-year contract issued in March – to relieve immediate financial pressures facing the organisation.

The move guarantees the CAB’s medium term future but opposition councillors have said they will continue to put pressure on the administration to protect it “for years to come”. 

Labour Councillor Edward Grady said: “It’s a victory but we’re not happy with just that. The fight will continue to get full funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau so it can stay open for the foreseeable future.

“We want it open for years to come to support the people of Renfrewshire. It’s a lifeline for some folk. The people of Renfrewshire, and particularly Paisley, need the CAB.

“A lot of people have nowhere else to turn and CAB helps people out on a vast range of stuff. It absolutely is a lifeline for them.”

Conservative Councillor Jane Strang added: "While recognising councils are facing many budget challenges, it is services like the citizens advice bureau that should be fully protected.

"That is why the uncertainty created by the SNP administration was so disappointing and in typical fashion they now only want the glory at the end.

"We will continue to keep the pressure on the administration to ensure that this hugely important service across Renfrewshire has a bright future."

The Gazette:

Cllr Eddie Grady said the fight would go on 

The council’s Leadership Board will meet on Wednesday with a view to approving the new funding for the service. 

The CAB deals with around 15,000 enquiries a year, with Paisley woman Christine Campbell saying in July she wouldn’t know what to do if it closed. 

When a misunderstanding saw her benefit reduced, Christine turned to the staff for help and they were able to get it restored.

A total of £38,400 will be given to the Glasgow Road facility to deliver an Advice Renfrewshire phoneline, while £30,000 has been earmarked to tackle increased pressures during the rollout of Universal Credit. 

SNP council leader Iain Nicolson praised the work and effort put in by officers and CAB management to reach a deal. 

He said: “Once the situation regarding Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau was made known to us, the administration immediately put the matter to the Leadership Board and agreed an additional three months funding. 

“This was to allow time and space which we knew was required to focus on working with Renfrewshire CAB to understand their situation. 

“While other political parties spent time and energy shouting from the sidelines, we got on with the job of working with the bureau. Our joint working and common purpose was completely focused on securing a deal.

“Elements of the deal will involve providing additional support funding in advance of the roll out of Universal Credit in Renfrewshire this month. 

“The council along with Citizens Advice Scotland will provide continued support to ensure Renfrewshire Citizens Advice Bureau has a long term and sustainable future.”

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A spokesman for Citizens Advice Scotland said: “Renfrewshire CAB has always been dedicated to delivering its much-needed service to the people of Renfrewshire and is pleased that progress has been made in the discussions.”