Two Labour councillors have called for their local authority to boost its cash support for the borough's Citizen's Advice Bureau.

Cllrs Scott Brerton and Heather Anderson, who represent Overton ward in Great Harwood, made the plea after the organisation's representatives appeared before Hyndburn Council's communities and wellbeing scrutiny committee.

They successfully moved that the all-party group ask the authority's ruling cabinet to increase the £25,000 annual grant to the body when it meets next month.

CAB Hyndburn's chief executive David Ogzala and trustee Nick Pilling outlined the work it does to support residents across Hyndburn.

Councillors heard how the service had advised 1,642 Hyndburn residents in the past 12 months and helped benefit claimants secure more than £250,000 of additional income via new benefit claims, winning appeals, and successfully challenging decisions.

The CAB also helped get £302,114 of debts written off via insolvency options and helped individuals reschedule repayments of debts totalling £93,105.

Cllr Scott Brerton said: “It’s clear the Citizens Advice Bureau offers an invaluable service to Hyndburn residents.

"I was particularly impressed with the fact that for every £1 invested in citizen's advice, they’ve delivered over £14 in public value.

"This is through economic and social benefits, saving the council, the government and other public services such as the NHS significant amounts of money by helping stop problems occurring or escalating.

"There are obviously clear benefits from increasing their funding from the current £25,000 per annum, and hope that the cabinet will agree to this recommendation."

Cllr Anderson said: “The work the Citizens Advice Bureau do is fantastic and I have personally signposted many residents to them for support.

"Whilst the report was impressive in terms of how many people they have helped in the borough, it’s clear that they are stretched and would like to support even more local residents.

"Increasing their funding would ensure this, especially during this current cost of living crisis.”

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, acting leader of Hyndburn Council, said: “Citizens' advice is a vital organization that provides much-needed assistance to people in our community.

"They are experts in a wide range of areas, from debt advice to housing issues, and they always go the extra mile to help people get the support they need.

"The council has a long history of supporting citizens advice locally by way of an annual grant, and we will continue to do so.

"As the budget setting time for 2024/25 approaches, we will consider whether not we are in a position to increase the grant going forwards.”