5. Will the Minister make a statement on the role of services like Citizens Advice during the cost-of-living crisis? OQ58132

Welsh Government has a long-standing commitment to supporting advice services so we can be confident some of the most vulnerable people in our society have access to advice on debt and welfare benefit issues. The services they provide are a lifeline for many people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.

Diolch, Gweinidog. I used to work for Citizens Advice, so I really do agree with you that they will be a lifeline for thousands of people in Wales over the coming months. Now, many vulnerable people, of course, need advice in person. I'd like to seek your assurance that support is being given to organisations like Citizens Advice to ensure that in-person advice will continue to be available for everyone who needs it, that we don't see too much of a focus being put on advice only being available over the telephone or digitally, because without face-to-face advice, many people won't know where to go for help. I'm particularly concerned about debt clients, because they're the most likely to disengage part way through the advice process, and if advisers have had to deal only with cases remotely, they won't have established the same relationship, and with the Ask programme, as well, where clients who present with debt issues or housing issues are routinely asked about abuse—that won't be safe or possible if the advice isn't being given face to face. So, could you give me an assurance, please, Minister, that organisations like Citizens Advice will be supported to continue to offer that vital face-to-face interaction with clients?

Diolch, Delyth Jewell. Your role and your experience of working in Citizens Advice are very valuable, and it's useful to have that particular focus on how we can move through the pandemic to recovery and back to the face-to-face, which we know is very valuable for older people, but also for people who can often have complex needs and problems. This year I've made available over £13 million for single advice fund services so that people can get that help. I think evidence that it's making a difference—I'll just quote that, since January last year, single advice fund services have helped 116,000 people to deal with over 532,000 social welfare problems, and that's actually helped them claim additional income of over £67 million and have debts totalling £20 million written off. So, support for the sector, and Citizens Advice as a key partner, is crucial, and we will be looking particularly at key priority groups in their work and delivery, including older people, disabled people and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.