Residents facing money worries, housing issues and other challenges will continue to benefit from free and confidential advice, following a package of support from the borough council.

As part of its strategic partner grants programme, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has agreed to provide £201,000 of grant funding each year for the next two years to Citizens Advice Basingstoke for its core advice services.

Alongside this funding, the council has agreed to extend funding for a £54,000 pilot drop-in service for residents to get the support they need in community centres in Oakridge, Popley and Buckskin.

In the first seven months of trialling this new drop-in service, the team supported local residents with 799 issues ranging from debt, access to benefits, housing and legal, helping people access almost £55,000 of additional income to support them and their families.

In the same period, the charity’s day to day service provided help with 13,332 issues allowing residents to access £1.7 million of extra income.  

As well as support for the Basingstoke charity, the council has also pledged £56,000 in grant funding each year for the next two years for Citizens Advice Tadley and District.

Between July and December 2025, the Tadley team helped residents with 2,599 issues, supporting people to access £1.5 million of extra income.

As well as its day-to-day service, the team hosts a drop-in service for residents at Kingsclere Village Club, in George Street, between 10am and 1pm every other Tuesday. The team is also partnering with local schools to provide dedicated support for families. They can be contacted through schools or directly by calling 0808 278 7987 or emailing admin@catadley.org

The council is also continuing to work with Citizens Advice Basingstoke to help them secure a new permanent town centre base after the charity’s relocation from Basingstoke Discovery Centre.

Cabinet Member for Communities, Partnerships and Inclusion Cllr John McKay said: “We know many residents across the borough are struggling with rising costs and Citizens Advice continues to be a lifeline for people who need help. We’re committed to supporting the fantastic work they do for our communities and helping residents through difficult times, as part of our work to tackle poverty across the borough working with public, community and voluntary organisations.

“Their outreach work is already making a huge difference, reaching people who might otherwise miss out or not ask for help. We hope this funding, alongside help to find a new town centre location, gives Citizens Advice the support they need to make it even easier for residents to get the advice they need, when they need it.”

Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Basingstoke Graham Hatcher said: “The cost-of-living crisis is ongoing, and people have become increasingly reliant on advice and emergency support just to get by. Citizens Advice Basingstoke is working hard to ensure that people get the help that they need to keep a roof over their heads, stay warm and put food on the table. In addition to improving people's wellbeing, we help to stop problems from occurring or escalating and reduce pressure on public services in areas such as health and housing. Last year our work is estimated to have saved government and public services £2,975,596. None of this would be possible without the support from the borough council.”  

The Chair of Trustees Tony Curtis added: “Citizens Advice Basingstoke is a charity and wholly dependent on external funding. At a time when finding charity funding is increasingly difficult, we are very grateful for the continuing generous support from the borough council. The extension of outreach funding means that we will be able to continue to provide advice in accessible locations in the local communities of Popley, Oakridge and Buckskin.”

Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Tadley and District Fraser Gleave said: “For many years, the funding and support we've received from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has been fundamental to ensuring that we're present and accessible in Tadley. Our charity is dedicated to creating a society where local people face fewer problems and find a way forward in times of crisis. We're extremely grateful that the council recognises and shares this goal by helping us to meet some of our essential costs in providing free, confidential and impartial support to our community.”

For more information about the support Citizens Advice Basingstoke and Tadley provides, visit www.cabasingstoke.org.uk and www.catadley.org