Islington News:

Publications by New Journal Enterprises

Home

Archive

Competition

Islington Tribune - by PETER GRUNER
Published: 4 July 2008

At last, a word of advice... but from over the border

ISLINGTON'S much-heralded new £1.35million Citizens Advice Bureau service will be based in a neighbouring borough temporarily – and will not include a walk-in centre.
People with problems will have to telephone, although face-to-face meetings can be arranged via appointment at community centres. The previous CAB in Finsbury Park, which closed early last year following financial difficulties, included a doctor’s surgery-style, walk-in centre.
Labour opposition leader Councillor Catherine West said: “This new service is so vague as to be laughable. A lot of money is being spent yet we are being told the scheme will be based in another borough – we don’t know which one.
“Access will be mainly by phone, which is not satisfactory or acceptable for many people who prefer a face-to-face meeting.”
Lib Dem deputy council leader Councillor Terry Stacy said the new service was being launched in September temporarily from a neighbouring borough until it could be established in Islington.
He added: “Even with a walk-in centre there are no guarantees there will be someone who can speak your language or that they can see you on the day.
“CAB says it is moving away from drop-in centres, which are obviously more expensive, to the kind of dedicated scheme it wants to establish in Islington.”
Face-to-face appointments could be easily arranged for a local community centre, he said.

Comment on this article.
(You must supply your full name and email address for your comment to be published)

Name:

Email:

Comment: