Advice bureau to cut spending

Newark and District Citizens’ Advice Bureau has announced plans to cut its spending in light of expected county council cuts.

The plans were discussed at the bureau’s annual meeting at Newark Town and District Club.

Proposals have been announced by Nottinghamshire County Council to cut support to all seven CABs in the county by 67% in 2011-12.

Treasurer Mr Malcolm Ellison said the Newark bureau was cutting its expenditure by up to £5,000 for this financial year.

He said: “We have to start making provisions for the loss of funding now.

“We have managed to trim expenditure in relation to rent, paid employees and also the cleaning budget. But we need to keep it up.”

In 2009-10 the Newark bureau received more than £28,530 from Newark and Sherwood District Council and £21,924 from the county council. Much of that is now under threat.

Plans were discussed to find new sources of funding.

The bureau manager, Judith Dove, said: “We know that we provide a real quality service here in Newark and I am very passionate about making sure we keep the standard high.

“We provide the most cost-effective service in the county with each person through our doors on average costing only £46.56 compared with almost £100 in some places.

“But we need to set a target figure that we have to meet to make up for the shortfall.

“If big businesses can raise thousands of pounds for parties and bonuses then I am sure we can do something similar.”

At the meeting Mr David Rogerson was named the new vice-chairman.