WAVENEY District Council has shown its commitment to delivering joint services that improve the quality of life for local people, by providing additional grant aid support to the North East Suffolk branch of the Citizen's Advice Bureau (NESCAB).

WAVENEY District Council has shown its commitment to delivering joint services that improve the quality of life for local people, by providing additional grant aid support to the North East Suffolk branch of the Citizen's Advice Bureau (NESCAB).

Following the approval of a Service Level Agreement earlier in the year and after a period of consultation with the Third Sector, Waveney District Council has awarded NESCAB additional grant aid support of �10,000.

At a recent presentation, councillor Stephen Ardley, chair of the Grants Allocation Panel and handed over the cheque to Richard Card, chairman of NESCAB.

Speaking after the event, Mr Ardley said: 'Waveney District Council believes that many voluntary and community sector organisations are in a great position to offer high quality, value for money services to improve the quality of life for our residents. It is therefore important that we continue to develop partnerships with the Third Sector and enable them to continue doing what they do best.

'Organisations such as NESCAB have been offering these services for many years and in these increasingly difficult times, their expertise is invaluable. Adding value to their service helps us maintain the breadth and range of support needed by our local communities.'

Back in April, a one year Service Level Agreement for �86,572 up to 31 March 2010 was awarded to NESCAB.

Following consultation with local community and voluntary groups, additional funding of �10,000 was agreed, to assist with the increased demand for services prompted by the recession.

North East Suffolk CAB covers the whole Waveney area. In 2008/09 almost six thousand people (an increase of 14.5pc) sought advice on a staggering 20,542 problems (an increase of 39.5pc).

This unprecedented demand has continued throughout the financial year. 'The levels of debt are astronomical and we are currently handling over �16million in client debt,' said Janet John, district manager, North East Suffolk CAB.

Demand for employment advice has also risen steadily over the last two years as the downturn in the economy continues to affect employers. It is estimated that by the end of this year they will have dealt with 50pc more employment issues than they did two years ago.

She continued: 'The bureau was delighted to accept a cheque for �10,000 from Mr Ardley especially as it was monies that other voluntary organisations had agreed to forego. It shows that the community really values the services we provide and that the council is prepared to be flexible in its allocation of grants.

'We would like to thank Waveney District Council for undertaking the consultation with the voluntary sector which was the first step on the road to the Bureau being allocated this additional grant. We would also like to thank Mr Ardley for the decision to award us the grant and to thank the voluntary sector at large for its generous support.'

In addition to NESCAB, the council also supports nine other community and voluntary sector organisations with Service Level Agreements. A total of �206,293 was allocated this way during 2009/10 and a further �20,000 of grant support was awarded to small community groups.