Increases in Support Provided by Citizens Advice Bureaux

That the Parliament understands that, in October 2020, Citizens Advice bureaux issued the highest number of pieces of advice in one month since the beginning of lockdown, issuing 88,000 pieces of advice to 26,350 people; further understands that the single biggest issue people sought advice on was benefits, representing 40% of all cases; recognises that more people in Scotland are seeking help with debt, with 9,600 pieces of advice provided on debt, up from 7,900 in September; notes that the single biggest reason for seeking debt advice is Council Tax arrears; appreciates that Citizens Advice Scotland can offer money advice through the Money Talk Team on 0800 085 7145; welcomes that people can check if they are eligible for Council Tax reductions or exemptions at checkmycounciltax.scot, and also use the new Money Map tool to see all the options for how they can improve their incomes and cut their living costs; understands that every £1 of core funding provided to the Citizens Advice bureaux network in Scotland returns £11 of value; thanks all staff and volunteers of Citizens Advice bureaux in Scotland for their continued dedication and hard work, and calls on the Scottish Government to ensure that Citizens Advice bureaux and all who provide welfare rights advice are fully resourced and supported.