CEREDIGION Citizens Advice says it has been fighting for local people during the pandemic.

During 2020/21 the charity racked up some startling statistics:

Advised 2,500 people

Dealt with 14,000 issues

Gained £1.7m in extra income for clients

Reduced debts by over £295k

Distributed £20k of fuel vouchers

At the AGM, UK head of Citizens Advice Dame Clare Moriarty said that the response of Ceredigion Citizens Advice during the pandemic – in common with other bureaus throughout Britain – had been "astonishing".

Dame Clare, who met with Ceredigion trustees and staff via zoom, said she was proud of leading a service that had a strong drive to innovate and problem solve to help people.

She added that new ways had to be found to reach out to people especially as covid had widened inequalities.

Sue Chambers, chair of Ceredigion Citizens Advice said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome Dame Clare and to hear about her first months as Head of Citizens Advice UK and to share with her the impact of Citizens Advice locally in Ceredigion.

"During  2020/21 our excellent staff and volunteers continued to deliver our services remotely and reached over 2,500 people who raised over 14,000 separate issues.

“This shows the complexity of issues faced by those we help and the breadth of the advice required.”

She also thanked long-term funders especially the Welsh Government and Aberystwyth and Cardigan town councils, plus Pembrokeshire County Council.

And she added that Ceredigion Citizens Advice was now reviewing how and where services were delivered in the county.

“As we move into 2022 we are reviewing how and where our services are delivered and we would be pleased to receive comments from residents about ways we can improve our services,” she said.

Comments may be sent to Ceredigion Citizens Advice by email at enquiries@cabceredigion.org or by post to the office in Napier Street, Cardigan, SA43 1ED.