MP takes a firsthand look

Located in the Harborough District Council building, the Citizens Advice staff and volunteers told Sir Edward about the advantages of working in the same building as Harborough Council, staff from Leicestershire County Council and the Department of Work and Pensions.

Sir Edward said: “As the MP I work closely with Citizens Advice.

“They are approachable and know their stuff so I would encourage anyone who wants good quality advice to contact them.”

Richard Evans, chief executive of Citizens Advice LeicesterShire, said: “I was delighted that Sir Edward was able to visit the front line of our service.

“He met volunteers and staff who provide valuable assistance to the local residents of his constituency.

“We are extremely proud of the service we are able to offer and the support we receive from all the other agencies in the building.”

Sir Edward also attended an event in Parliament about Citizens Advice.

He heard about how Citizens Advice is helping people across England and Wales with budgeting, enabling them to save money on bills and to go online and use mobile banking. Citizens Advice can also help people understand the benefits of seeing an Independent Financial Adviser.

Citizens Advice say it has helped 4,160 people in the East Midlands improve their financial skills between April 2014 and March 2015.

Citizens Advice chief executive Gillian Guy said: “Managing your money better can help keep your family and home secure.

“Getting help with planning a budget can put people in a better position to pay for daily costs and cope with sudden expenses such as emergency car repairs. Shopping around and negotiating with energy and broadband suppliers can also help to reduce your bills.

“Anyone looking to save money on their day-to-day costs can get help from their local Citizens Advice or by checking our website www.citizensadvice.org.uk.”