CABs in Falkirk, Grangemouth and Denny see enquiries soar in lockdown

Employment enquiries to all three Citizens Advice Bureau in the Falkirk area have tripled, while the numbers of people looking for help with emergency food has soared by 40 per cent during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The three CABs – in Falkirk, Denny and Grangemouth – have had to change the way they provide their service to respond to government guidelines as well as the needs of clients during Covid-19.

But while their offices in Denny, Grangemouth and Falkirk have been closed, they have continued to provide a service, via telephone and email, with emergency provision for anyone who isn’t able to use the remote service.

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A huge surge in enquiries about benefit entitlement shows the impact the pandemic has had on people’s lives – and the bureau managers believe that as an economic downturn seems inevitable, their services will be needed by many more.

In a joint statement, they said: “The type of enquiries received by the bureaux reflect the uncertainty and difficulties faced by the community during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Employment enquiries have tripled since lockdown, and is now the third most requested type of advice after benefits and debt.

“Many employment enquiries are from people who have ‘fallen through the gaps’ of the support schemes- due to being newly self-employed or recently employed.

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“The increase in benefit checks to try to find other means of support reflects this, and the financial uncertainty faced by many.

“We have had an increase in new clients looking for benefit support and assistance and checking entitlement and explaining the application process to clients has been the single biggest enquiry request.

“Delays to benefit decisions and challenges have also increased enquiries on benefit issues with many clients now waiting at least 12 weeks for decisions on some benefits.

“We have had a 40 per cent increase in requests for assistance with emergency food supplies through food bank referrals- this concerning trend highlights the immediate impact of the pandemic.

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“In the longer term the increased requests for assistance with employment concerns and need to access alternative income are indicative of further issues.

“Debt enquiries are steady with clients being supported through a number of schemes set out by the credit industry including mortgage payment holidays.”

The bureau also helps with short terms plans and budgeting.

“The government schemes to help people with financial pressures caused by Covid-19 have benefited many people but these will be wound down leaving people with continued financial uncertainty.

“We anticipate the high numbers of clients needing additional support to deal with the economic impact of reduced employment, unmanageable debts and reduced income will continue.

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“We are preparing our service and advisers to try to mitigate the impact on the community through advice and support but the future continues to look complex for many households.”

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