Jeremy Balfour MSP for Lothian took part in a members’ debate in Holyrood on Tuesday where he congratulated Citizens Advice Scotland for providing 80 years of advice for the people of Scotland.
The Citizens Advice network is the largest advice service in Scotland made up of 59 individual Citizens Advice Bureaux spread across the country.
The first bureau was opened during the Second World War in Glasgow and gave advice on wartime issues, such as tracing missing relatives and lost ration books.
Now the bureaux give advice on a much wider range of issues. Most commonly: social security, debt, employment and housing.
Mr Balfour has praised the contribution that Citizen Advice Bureaux make within Lothian and called for continued support for their services from national and local government.
The Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP has said:“Citizens Advice bureaux are an invaluable part of our communities. I see first-hand the outstanding contribution they make in Lothian.
“I congratulate Citizens Advice Scotland for the way in which they have provided unparalleled free advice and representation to countless people in Scotland over the last 80 years.
“I particularly want to thank the thousands of volunteers for the role that they play within the organisation and I would encourage my constituents to consider volunteering at their local bureau.
“It is essential that both the Scottish Government and local governments continue to support Citizens Advice Scotland financially in order for them to continue and expand their services.”
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