The CABs received an additional £100,000 for debt counselling from the county council earlier this year under Keep West Sussex Working – the initiative to help the county's people and businesses through the recession.

To enable the CABs to continue to give extra debt advice and support over the winter months, a number of other West Sussex councils have provided funding for a further six months.

County council leader Cllr Henry Smith said: "The cash injection to the CABs has helped more than 2,700 residents across West Sussex so far.

"The extra funding will prove particularly useful over the winter months when the need for debt advice can increase with higher energy bills and the expense of Christmas."

The additional funding for debt advisers is coming from the county council, Arun and Mid Sussex District Councils, and Worthing Borough Council.

Crawley Borough Council is helping to fund an 'advice shop' in the town providing a wide range of assistance, Chichester District Council is paying for additional support for people facing court proceedings over debt and Horsham District Council for additional support to people with housing problems.

Cllr Smith said: "The West Sussex councils are working together to streamline the way they fund legal advice for our residents from April 2010.

"The actions being taken now are an early example of our coordinated approach.

"All local authorities are facing financial pressures, but I am pleased we have been able to provide extra assistance to residents who need help with financial and legal matters during these difficult times."


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