A west London branch of the Citizens Advice service has been given a £1.625million funding boost as it faces a rising number of requests for help.

Hounslow Council's Cabinet have approved the investment into Citizens Advice Hounslow (CAH) which offers free advice to individuals on issues such as benefits, employment, housing, finances and immigration.

The funding was granted by Cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday, January 21 with councillors voting overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals. The agreement grants funding of £325,000 annually for five years.

Citizens Advice has been funded by Hounslow Council for over 20 years. Its contract was due to expire in March 2025, however this has now been extended until 2030.

It is understood the funding will enable the service to 'effectively' allocate staff resources, increase financial wellbeing, and 'prevent homelessness' by offering wide ranging support and advice.

CAH has two offices in the borough, one in Feltham on the High Street, and one in Chiswick at the Town Hall.

There are also new mobile advice units and a phone line, which Councillor Ajmet Grewal told the Cabinet will target support in a way that is accessible for vulnerable residents.

Darlene Clement, an adviser at Citizens Advice Hounslow, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that people are increasingly asking for support with their primary concern being unable to afford basic necessities.

She said: "Recently, I worked with a client who was a single mother working full-time.

"She was privately renting a two-bedroom flat but her landlord had raised the rent. Her initial concern was whether she could challenge the increase, but she was also fearful of retaliatory eviction.

"As we discussed her situation further, it became clear that she was also struggling with rising energy costs.

A recent large energy bill had left her with very little to cover other essential expenses including food. To cope, she had been keeping the heating off for longer periods and limiting her electricity usage.

"Despite carefully choosing the most affordable groceries, her food bill had still increased significantly compared to previous years. The financial strain had taken a toll on her mental health, leading to heightened anxiety and a constant fear of unexpected expenses."

In response, Darlene shared guidance on rent increases and conducted a benefit check, finding out the single mother was eligible for Universal Credit.

She directed her to the council's Household Support Fund, issued a foodbank voucher and provided additional financial advice.

At the recent Cabinet meeting Cllr Grewal said the service was vital for the borough's residents.

She said: "It has demonstrated that it can deliver strong outcomes for residents, having secured over £15 million for residents in 2022/23, and over £8 million alone in the first six months of this financial year."

Citizens Advice Hounslow has operated since 1939, supporting over 15,000 residents per year. Other areas of advice offered relate to debt, housing, consumer and family issues.

The organisation provides casework support at a 'specialist level' advocating on behalf of residents, providing representation in courts or tribunals when necessary.

In some areas of Hounslow, over half of households experience some form of deprivation. The council believes this additional funding for CAH could help those requiring extra support and advice.

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."

Residents who currently need support are advised to check the Citizens Advice Hounslow website, or ring freephone 0808 278 7830.

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