CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE IN WALES

That this House notes the invaluable service provided by the Citizens Advice (CAB) service, especially during economic downturns; further notes that the human cost of the recession is still feeding into the system; further notes that the latest annual statistics for the CAB service in Wales indicates a 13 per cent. increase in the number of issues dealt with by the service to 345,486; further notes that debt problems increased by 16 per cent. to 132,015 and problems with benefits and tax credits by 16 per cent. to 114,202 and within the debt portfolio problems involving private bailiffs increased by 78 per cent., fuel debt problems by 29 per cent., and council tax arrears by 22 per cent.; and calls on the UK Government to ensure adequate support for organisations like the Citizens Advice service which provide a lifeline for people faced with the social consequences of economic decline.