We are proud to continue funding the Citizens Advice Powys Newtown Advice Project to deliver essential advice services for residents across Newtown and their latest report clearly shows the powerful difference this support is making in our community.
Real Help for Real Lives
Between January and March 2026, the Newtown Advice Project supported residents facing urgent and often stressful situations, including benefit issues and financial uncertainty. In this quarter alone, 16 residents received direct support, contributing to a total of 83 people helped over the past year.
Many of those accessing the service are among the most vulnerable in our community:
- 80% live with a long-term health condition or disability
- Nearly half are unable to work due to ill health
- Many are managing complex financial or caring responsibilities.
Securing Vital Financial Support
A key focus of the project is ensuring people receive the benefits they are entitled to – especially when deadlines are tight or systems feel overwhelming.
Over the past year, the service has helped residents secure over £155,000 in welfare benefits, all linked to disability support.
This includes funding that helps people:
- Pay for essential daily living support
- Maintain independence at home
- Meet the additional costs of living with a disability.
In the most recent quarter, advisers helped just five clients secure over £27,500 in ongoing annual support, demonstrating how even small scale interventions can have a lasting impact.
Beyond Benefits – Tackling Debt and Energy Issues
The wider work of Citizens Advice Powys shows the scale of need in our area:
- 268 energy-related issues resolved, including support with rising bills
- £72,000 of utility debt addressed
- 728 debt issues handled, with total debts of over £547,000 supported
Importantly, their specialist team has also helped people access solutions like Debt Relief Orders, with over £211,000 of debt written off for those in the most difficult situations.
A Service That Supports Wellbeing
While the financial outcomes are significant, the human impact is just as important.
Feedback from residents highlights how the service reduces stress, provides reassurance, and helps people feel supported during difficult times. One client described how advisers “held my hand… and even managed to make me laugh,” showing the compassionate approach that sits at the heart of the service.
Investing in Stronger Communities
This work demonstrates why continued investment in advice services is so important. By funding Citizens Advice Powys, we are ensuring that local people can access trusted, professional support when they need it most.
Together, we’re helping residents:
- Stay financially stable
- Access the support they are entitled to
- Live healthier, more independent lives.
We thank Citizens Advice Powys for their outstanding work and look forward to continuing this important partnership with your town council.