Jane Stevenson, MP for Wolverhampton North East, was given a ward-by-ward virtual tour of the varied and complex problems people ask Citizens Advice for help with during a Parliamentary reception.
The event showcased an interactive map of the constituency, and revealed the issues people are facing.
It shows that Citizens Advice helped 2,826 people in the area with 11,802 issues. The top three problems people needed assistance with were debt, benefits and tax credits, and Universal Credit.
Of the debt issues that people raised with Citizens Advice, council tax arrears was the most common.
According to its latest Impact Report, Citizens Advice helps to solve four in five of people’s problems when they ask for help. This reduces the number of people who turn to public services for support on welfare, health and housing issues.
For every £1 invested in the Citizens Advice service, the Government and public services save £2 – amounting to £420 million in 2019.
Jane said: “Citizens Advice has been on the frontline helping people for the past 80 years, which means they have an incredible insight into the problems people face. I was concerned to see that problems with debt, and particularly council tax arrears, are the most common issue that my constituents turn to Citizens Advice for help with.
“I’m always keen to find new and inventive ways of staying informed about the concerns of my constituents. The local data from Citizens Advice shows strong evidence on which to act.
“Citizens Advice, with its army of volunteers, is tremendous at providing support for people living in Wolverhampton North East. I will continue to work closely with them for the benefit of my constituents.”
Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “It was great that Jane was able to join us. Our interactive maps highlight the issues we see on the ground in Wolverhampton North East.
“The right advice and support can transform lives. Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward.
“It’s important people can access free and impartial advice when they need it, whether face-to-face, over the phone or online. We’re pleased to work with MPs to help them solve their constituents’ problems and address local and national issues.”
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice to people in Wolverhampton. The national website provides advice online, over email and via web chat at www.citizensadvice.org.uk.
