Citizen’s advice needs new home

Jul 4 2008 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

PERTH Citizens’ Advice Bureau, which dealt with over 15,000 new inquiries from members of the public over the past 12 months, is urgently looking for new premises.

The condition of their existing offices in New Row is described as one of their most “serious issues” by chairman Robin Walker in their annual report for 2007-2008...writes LES STEWART.

He explains: “They are very cramped and inadequate for our hard-working staff and volunteers – and also inconvenient for clients of the bureau.

“There is increasing complexity in the issues which our people are handling, demanding good standards of record-keeping.

“It is important, therefore, to have a satisfactory working environment. We have made some progress in identifying possible new locations and we are investigating potential sources of funding.

“We are hopeful that Perth and Kinross Council, who are sympathetic to our case, will provide tangible support in helping us to resolve this urgent problem in the coming months.”

Mr Walker has reflected on a “year of significant changes” in his report.

Former manager Shelagh retired in January of this year after eight years in the post.

“Shelagh’s abilities, dedication and commitment have been tremendous assets throughout her period as manager – and her connection with the bureau goes back further, to 1992.

“She will be greatly missed by her colleagues amongst the staff, volunteers and directors.”

Her successor is Sandy Watts, who came to Perth from Ellesmere Port and Neston Citizens’ Advice Bureau, where she was district manager for 11 years.

“We look forward to working with her in this period of challenges and opportunities for Perth,” added Mr Walker.

Dr Clare Little also stepped down as chairman in January, 2008, and as the bureau’s 35th AGM approaches, they are contemplating a further change in personnel, with the retirement of administrator June Steen.

At the time of writing his report, Mr Walker said that they were undergoing their three-yearly quality Audit by Citizens’ Advice Scotland.

“Whilst preliminary feedback has generally been positive,” he noted, “there are bound to be some areas in which we need to improve.

“We will pay close attention to points raised in the audit report, in order to strive for best standards and to maintain our high reputation in the community.

“We remain committed to the priorities of helping to foster responsible and informed citizens, confident and inclusive communities and sound money advice.”