Financial Impact Report

Citizens Advice East Sussex has revealed new figures for the year 2014-15 demonstrating the impact of its services on the community in the county.  A report has been produced by the national organisation known as the financial modelling tool. The impact and value of the East Sussex service is quantified using a model adapted and approved by HM Treasury. This estimates that every £1 invested locally produces the following returns:

• £2.57 is returned in fiscal benefits savings to the government such as reduction in health service demand, local authority homelessness services and out-of-work benefits for clients and volunteers, plus
• £13.34 in public benefit through wider economic and social benefits. These include improvements in participation and productivity for clients and volunteers, plus

• £16.44 in benefits to individuals. These include income gained through benefits, debts written off and consumer problems resolved.
  
  This totals over £30 return for every £1 of funding received. The work of Citizens Advice saves money for the government, significantly for local authorities through helping to prevent evictions and homelessness, the Department for Work and Pensions through helping to maintain people in work rather than on benefits, and the NHS through improving people’s health and well-being. It also benefits society through healthier, happier people moving forward with their lives with new confidence, participating in their community and working more productively.

  When totalled for 2014-15, the full value to the local community include £3,865,948 to government services, public value of £19,274,477 and benefits to individuals of £23,868,330.  The Bureau advised 18,536 people in that year on a total of over 65,000 issues.

  The five Bureaux in the county – Eastbourne, Hastings, Lewes, Rother and Wealden – have 8 outlets staffed by 342 volunteers, the value of which is considered to be over £1.5 million.

  Director of Projects, Alan Bruzon commented: “Many people do not realise that CABs are individual charities, mostly staffed by a large team of volunteers who give their time freely to help other people. We are not a centrally funded government service and we don’t have a team of paid solicitors available free of charge. However, all our advice is provided by highly trained advisers and is independent, confidential and always free to use”.