Volunteer and advice services in Blackburn with Darwen to be centralised (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Volunteer and advice services in Blackburn with Darwen to be centralised

5:00pm Monday 22nd October 2012 in News

VOLUNTARY and council advice services in Blackburn with Darwen are set to be centralised.

The borough’s executive board approved a scheme to bring help to residents with problems under one roof.

The new Debt, Welfare and Housing Advice Service will be in place by April 2013 involving the council, the Citizens’ Advice Service, Age UK and other members of the Voluntary and Community Sector, provided final details can be agreed.

Borough resources boss Andy Kay said that growing financial pressure on the council’s and the voluntary sector’s advice services was causing concern about their future at a time of rising demand with major changes in welfare benefits and provision.

He said the new joint service, located on council premises, would cost a ring fenced £250,000 a year between all those involved.

Tory leader Michael Lee expressed concerned about the set up costs of the new service and asked for a report back on those costs before any final approval was given.

Liberal Democrat leader David Foster said: “The proposal to produce an integrated advice service is to be welcomed.”

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