Our local citizens advice bureau has had its busiest year to date in terms of issues and enquiries. 2016/17 was the first year the CAB reached more than £1 million in client financial gains.
The Kincardine and Mearns CAB AGM tonight heard that the funding for it services comes from Aberdeenshire Council, the Scottish Government, European Social Fund and the Fairer Scotland Fund.
Over the year the CAB has taken on extra staff and as well as having outreach services within the medical centres at Laurencekirk, Inverbervie and Portlethen. There are plans to move the office in Stonehaven to other premises. They have three rooms in the office and expect an increase in their workload with the roll-out of universal credit.
The AGM in Stonehaven Town Hall also heard a talk by Angus North & Mearns MSP Mairi Gougeon on the universal credit benefit and her work in general at Holyrood.
The meeting was assured that the CAB will be well prepared to support clients through these changes.
The downturn in the oil industry has had a huge impact on this area which has also lead to more demand on the bureau’s services.
A client survey found 100% satisfaction with the CAB, with all saying they would use the service again.
Newtonhill resident George Ewing stepped down as a board member. A glowing tribute was paid to him as a stalwart of the board over many years. Also stepping down was Lynda Reid from Stonehaven, whose support had been very much appreciated.