The service, which has been supporting Hounslow residents since 1939, has seen a 60% spike in demand over the last year.
Published: Thursday, 6th February 2025
Last week, Hounslow Council’s Cabinet approved £325,000 funding for Hounslow’s Citizen’s Advice Service over a five-year period, which will amount to more than £1.6 million. Councillors overwhelmingly endorsed the extension of the service at a Cabinet meeting at Hounslow House.
Citizens Advice Hounslow supports over 15,000 residents each year with a range of social welfare advice issues including benefits, housing, debt and customer-care issues. It provides casework support at a specialist level, advocates on behalf of residents, and provides representation in courts or tribunals.
Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities at Hounslow Council, said:
“An increase in demand for this service is proof that the cost-of-living is still continuing to bite. Citizens Advice Hounslow provides an invaluable lifeline to so many our residents and access to high-quality independent advice should always be a default offer for all our residents.”
In some areas of the borough over half of households experience some form of deprivation, with 40% of households living in circumstances likely to be exacerbated by cost-of-living pressures.
Aiman Elal, CEO of Hounslow Citizens Advice, said:
“This funding comes at a time of unprecedented challenge for our clients, who are grappling with the relentless pressures of the cost-of-living crisis and other significant hardships. For many residents, we are the last line of defence against financial instability and homelessness.
“This renewed partnership between Hounslow Citizens Advice and Hounslow Council is not just a funding agreement—it is a lifeline for the thousands of people who rely on us each year. We are profoundly grateful to the Council for recognising the critical role we play and for entrusting us to deliver this essential service.
“For over 85 years, we have stood by the people of Hounslow, and this investment will allow us to continue our work, empowering our community and safeguarding their futures.”
Over the past four years, Citizen’s Advice has secured over £38 million in additional income for its users through benefit income gains or debt written off. The five-year contract will enable the service to allocate staffing resource effectively and will increase financial wellbeing among residents and prevent homelessness.
For residents who currently need support, please click here or ring freephone 0808 278 7830
