NEW plans to boost funding for the Citizens Advice Bureau and a range of other voluntary organisations in Teignbridge have been unveiled.

At the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting at Teignbridge Council this week councillors were told the aim was to reverse what could otherwise have been cuts in funding.

According to the press release from the Teignbridge Liberal Democrats they also heard that funding will be maintained for key community organisations such as CAB, the Council for Voluntary Service and Community Transport.

Other organisations will keep the rent subsidies they currently receive – for example, community centres in Teignmouth and Newton Abbot.

The new plans to boost the funding by keeping current grant support were announced by Cllr Richard Keeling and Cllr Martin Wrigley during a presentation on the council’s proposed budget which will finally be decided on in a few week’s time.

Cllr Keeling, executive councillor for finance and corporate services, said: ‘There are growing concerns over the cost of living crisis looming for Teignbridge residents, whether it’s energy bills, the rise of inflation or the increase in the National Insurance from central government.

‘We have been listening to those concerns and made revised proposals regarding council funding for our voluntary sector organisations.

‘Our proposed changes will retain funding at the current levels for the Citizens Advice Bureaux, Teignbridge Council for Voluntary Services, East Teignbridge Community Transport and Newton Abbot Community Transport.’

Cllr Martin Wrigley, executive councillor for homes and communities, added: ‘We will be recommending to the Executive next week, that the council retains equivalent funding as 2021-22 for at least the next two years so that those organisations can provide support for Teignbridge residents and their families.

‘We will also propose to retain the supportive rent subsidy for Teignmouth Shop Mobility, the Meadow Centre Teignmouth, the Buckland Centre in Newton Abbot and others to the 2021-22 subsidy for at least the next 2 years. However, a small grant of £2,620 for the Carn to Cove group is recommended to stop.’

Councillors at the Overview and Scrutiny Committee meeting at Teignbridge also heard that, in addition, to support and assist very local groups and organisations, it is also proposed to increase the Councillors’ Community Fund for each councillor by £200 a year to £1,200 from April, for the 2022/23 financial year. All of these changes are budget neutral, added Cllr Keeling.