CITIZEN’S Advice bosses in Barrhead have expressed their delight after the branch “rose to every challenge.” Having opened more than 30 years ago in Barrhead, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau has become the first port of call for many residents struggling with financial, social and legal matters.

Last week they released their annual report which offers a comprehensive breakdown on all the statistics from its various services.

And chairman William Dougray said he is delighted with how the bureau is progressing in the town and offered his thanks to East Renfrewshire Council and local elected officials.

However he also admits that it has become an increasingly difficult job for workers at the ERCAB to do, due to government legislation imposing more duties on the bureau.

In his chairman’s report, he said: “It would appear that when you think the workload undertaken by ERCAB could not possibly increase there comes along more government legislation which had to be implemented and yet another challenge is added to the bureau’s portfolio.

“The bureau is more involved in assisting people with a multitude of different problems which never existed when we opened the service more than 30 years ago, but we have taken these on board and in most cases have completed them to the satisfaction of our clients.” The East Renfrewshire Citizen’s Advice Bureau (ERCAB) offers free and impartial advice to all residents who need it.

It works independently from its funders and partner agencies and is completely confidential, offering an often vital service to residents who may be unable to afford advice from other professional sources.

Among some of the statistics given by the bureau’s annual report is the revelation that staff have helped East Renfrewshire residents claim back almost £2.6 million through different routes, including benefit support, tax claims, debt remedies and child tax credits.

More than £500,000 was claimed through PIP and Disability Living Allowances alone.

Bureau manager Teresa O’Hara also thanked hard working staff and was delighted with what was overall a good annual report.

She said: “ERCAB has risen to the many challenges during the year, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the volunteers and paid staff.

“They do an excellent job in providing advice, support and representation which enables people to deal with very often challenging situations.

“It is a privilege tow work alongside the CAB team and I thank each and every one of them, paid and unpaid, for their commitment, contribution and support to the bureau during the year.” The Barrhead News will have a more comprehensive breakdwon of the report in next week’s edition.