AN ADDITIONAL £60,000 has been funded to Winchester's Citizens Advice service to ensure residents can access the advice and support they need amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The money is in addition to the funding already in place from Winchester City Council (WCC) and is intended to help the service meet the rise in demand and facilitate more outreach work across the area.

The Winchester charity has reported supporting more people with crisis support, energy problems and not having enough money to get by more than ever before. Citizens Advice offers advice and support for issues such as money management, debt, housing and benefits.

Citizens Advice data suggests that certain groups such as disabled people, those with long-term health conditions and older residents have been hit harder by the cost-of-living crisis.

Deputy leader and cabinet member for community and housing, Cllr Paula Ferguson, said: “We’re very pleased to have been able to provide this additional funding for Citizens Advice. They offer a vital service in our community as a reassuring advice centre, but also a gateway to help residents access wider support from organisations across our district.

"We know the need is now, so supporting organisations to meet rising demand is one of the ways to ensure people get help as quickly as possible.”

READ MORE: Cost of living crisis: Citizens Advice Winchester urges support

A spokesperson for Winchester’s Citizen’s Advice said: "Recently we've seen triple the number of people in financial crisis than during the same period last year. 

"This funding will help us to deliver crucial advice and support to people in the Winchester district who are finding themselves in desperate situations and having to make difficult choices, such as deciding between eating and heating their homes."

In September, the council announced a cost-of-living intervention, launched by deputy leader and cabinet member for community and housing, Cllr Paula Ferguson. The scheme listed a series of measures the council would undertake to maximise support for residents during the financial hardship.

SEE ALSO: Winchester power cuts hit shops and businesses

Since then, WCC has organised a cost-of-living summit consisting of more than 40 organisations working together to coordinate and maximise the support available to residents and identify gaps in provision.

The council has also launched an emergency grant for not-for-profit and community organisations which support residents whether that’s by providing a warmer homes hub, access to food, or other measures. Applications close in February 2023. For more go to Cost of Living Grant Scheme - Winchester City Council.

Citizens Advice can be contacted on 0808 278 7861 and at citizensadvice.org.uk.

For more on accessing cost-of-living support go to winchester.gov.uk/cost-of-living.