Moray SNP News

LOCHHEAD VISITS MORAY CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Moray’s SNP MSP Richard Lochhead this week visited the Moray Citizens Advice Bureau to meet with staff and volunteers, and to hear about the issues they are currently dealing with. 

Mr Lochhead with the Moray CAB Manager, Mary Riley, and other members of the team who support local people with issues including benefits, debt, housing, immigration, employment and relationships.

The MSP heard that benefits related cases now make up 43% of their workload, which is up 8% on last year.

Speaking after his visit Mr Lochhead said:

“It was great to catch up with the team at Moray CAB and to thank the staff and volunteers for the amazing job they do in providing support and advice to people in Moray.

“The local CAB office is able to help people with a range of issues and I know that over the years thousands of my constituents have found their advice and support invaluable.

“I was particularly concerned to hear that the number of people turning to CAB for help with the benefits system has increased substantially over the last year, with benefits cases now making up 43% of their workload, an increase of 8% on last year.

“We know that the welfare system under the UK Government has become increasingly difficult for people to navigate and locally there are many folk who are struggling to make ends as a result of the roll out of universal credit.

“In Moray and across the country dedicated CAB volunteers and staff are doing a fantastic job to support those who are struggling to navigate the system and in many cases to make ends meet.”