Local MP Maria Miller joined Citizens Advice at a reception in the Houses of Parliament, at the event showcased an interactive map of Basingstoke constituency and a ward-by-ward virtual tour of the varied and complex problems people ask Citizens Advice for help.
According to its latest Impact Report, Citizens Advice helps to solve four in five of people’s problems when they ask for help. This reduces the number of people who turn to public services for support on welfare, health and housing issues.
For every £1 invested in the Citizens Advice service, the government and public services save £2 - amounting to £420 million last year.
Maria said: “Citizens Advice has been on the frontline helping people for the past 80 years, they have incredible insight into the problems people face.
“Citizens Advice' army of volunteers is tremendous at providing support for people living in Basingtstoke and I will continue to work closely with them.”
Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “It was great that Maria was able to join us. Our interactive maps highlight the issues we see on the ground in Basingstoke
“The right advice and support can transform lives. Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward. It’s important people can access free and impartial advice when they need it, whether face to face, over the phone or online. We’re pleased to work with MPs to help them solve their constituents’ problems and address local and national issues.”
Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice to people in Basingstoke. The national website provides advice online, over email and via web chat at www.citizensadvice.org.uk
