CITIZENS Advice Halton is hoping to raise funds to relocate its service into a new, purpose-build advice centre after being forced to vacate their offices.

The new centre would allow them to continue to provide their ‘much-needed’ services to the people of Runcorn and surrounding areas.

Hitesh Patel, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Halton, said: "We had to vacate our offices in the former Halton 5/Grosvenor House office block, next to old Runcorn Law Courts, where we have been for over thirty years, because the Landlord wanted to convert the building to residential flats.

"We have found a great space for new premises in Runcorn Shopping City. ‘‘However, to do this and turn it into a modern, professional advice centre, it will cost over £200,000. 

‘‘We have now secured half of this thanks to support from Halton BC and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, but there is still a long way to go."

Despite lockdown, in 2020/21 Citizens Advice Halton still helped over 5,000 people who came to them with over 17,000 issues. 

They also helped local people secure over £4 million of additional income through benefit applications and appeals, debts managed or written off and resolved consumer problems.

Mr Patel added: "As a charity, we rely on the support and generosity of the public and private sectors and also the generosity of members of the public. 

‘‘We welcome any donation, no matter how small.

‘‘All the money we receive will go directly into helping us move to our new premises and keeping our charity operating and ensuring our services are as effective as possible."
The need for Runcorn residents to have access to a Citizens Advice Office on their doorstep has been demonstrated from numerous local people who used the service:

“Just like to say that without the help of Citizens Advice Halton I don’t know what I would have done or where I would have ended up thank you so much for your help it’s really appreciated.”

‘‘I have contacted Citizens Advice Halton for advice several times in fact during the past 15+ years. I don’t know in all honesty if I didn’t have access to such a valuable and much-appreciated service where I would be”

“Invaluable service. Much required.”

“All the help I have had from the Runcorn branch has been amazing a big lift off my shoulders. All very understanding and don’t judge.”

To make a donation visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/donation-web/charity?charityId=1017341