PDE Column, 3rd August 2009 – Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau

One of the good things about the summer recess is you get the chance to spend time with local organisations.  This summer I have been impressed by Renfrewshire’s Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB).

Under the impressive leadership of Stephen Darroch, our local CAB has gone from strength to strength. The timing could not be more important.

Personal debt handled by Renfrewshire CAB has soared from £3 million last year to a whopping £6m of debt this year. Beyond those bold statistics lie stories of real hardship.

Credit card debt and personal loans are the biggest offenders. At least the UK Government has now promised to end the situation where people can apply for credit card after credit card.

But Renfrewshire’s CAB money advisors were keen to stress that rising debt is not just a matter of irresponsible lending and spending. More typically it is a change of circumstances that leads to problems. For example, overtime being cut back or one person in a household losing their job.

What I did not know was that the CAB are willing not only to advise clients but also to write to creditors on their behalf and argue for a freeze in charges if the client agrees a repayment plan.

Repossessions are another big problem locally. There are national Mortgage to Rent and Shared Equity schemes that are meant to allow people in arrears to stay in their homes and keep a roof over their heads.

However the problem in Renfrewshire is that the Scottish Government says you must find a one bedroom flat for under £60k or a 2 bedroom flat for under £70k. These are
the lowest property prices for anywhere in Scotland. If you live in south Aberdeenshire – with Government support – you can buy a one bedroomed house worth up to £105k, almost double what is available in Renfrewshire.

One constituent, Ann from Kilnside Road told me recently

“I can’t understand why Renfrewshire & Inverclyde only have a threshold figure of £60,000 for a 1 bedroomed property when other areas like East Ayrshire the limit is £80,000… the scheme is supposed to help people onto the property ladder but I feel it is rather off putting and not helpful at all. I have spoken to a few Estate agents and they are also rather frustrated as they find the threshold figures extremely low as well”

I am lobbying Alex Neil, the Scottish Housing Minister about these ridiculously low house prices the Government will support in Renfrewshire which are stopping local people making use of nationwide schemes.

I am hoping I can persuade the Minister to think again. Our CAB could make the new schemes work and keep Renfrewshire families in their homes – but only if they can work with realistic property prices.

Overall the CAB’s professionalism impresses. So if you know someone in difficulties – encourage them to go along to the drop-in service in George Street. It is open Monday to Thursday 10 – 3:30 pm, telephone 0141 889 2121

Or consider becoming a Volunteer Adviser yourself? The training is rigorous but the reward – at least in gratitude from those helped – equally high. Currently Renfrewshire CAB has 34 volunteer advisers, ideally they would like 50. So if you think you have something to contribute contact Stephen Darroch at: bureau@paisleycab.casonline.org.uk