Citizens Advice Receives Funding Boost from Sizewell Community Fund

A citizens advice organization has announced that a £170,000 contribution will enable it to expand its volunteer team to address increased demand. Citizen Advice East Suffolk (CAES) is one of nine entities chosen to receive funding from the initial allocation by the Sizewell C community fund. Chiara Saunders, the branch’s chief executive, stated that the financial aid was granted after demonstrating that the construction of the nuclear power plant would lead to a greater number of individuals seeking its services. She informed BBC Radio Suffolk: “We are already under pressure from the current demand and what’s really important to us is that with Sizewell coming, we don’t end up not being able to serve people whose problems aren’t Sizewell-related.” This £170,000 grant, which will be distributed over a three-year period, is anticipated to allow the service to support more than 100 volunteers, an increase from approximately 85 currently. While an investment decision for the proposed Sizewell power station has not yet been finalized, some preliminary work is already in progress. The official cost has been estimated at £20bn, and the project will receive partial funding from the French energy company EDF. Ms Saunders further commented: “Sizewell is going to bring a lot of challenges but also a lot of opportunities for the local area.” She added: “There will be more jobs but, following on from that, you’re going to have people approaching with queries, about ‘how does this work, am I entitled to holiday pay, should I have been made redundant’?” A total of £300,000 is being disbursed in this current round of donations. Other organizations benefiting include the Leiston Youth and Community Angling Society, Young People Taking Action, Aldeburgh Jubilee Hall, Saxmundham and District CIC, and Slaughden Sailing Club. Julia Pyke, Sizewell C’s joint managing director, remarked: “These are groups and organisations that make a significant difference to communities in this region and it’s deeply rewarding to know that the fund will enable them to enhance and extend the great work they do here.” In total, the fund is set to distribute £23 million over the next 10 years. Follow Suffolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.