A debt and housing adviser is being funded by West Oxfordshire District Council.

The grant of £15,300 will go to the West Oxfordshire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), to help pay for a part-time caseworker over the next year.

The CAB experienced a 34 per cent rise in the number of those seeking housing advice in 2009, compared to 2007/8. There was also an 83 per cent increase in the number of debt-related inquiries.

Barbara Shaw, manager of West Oxfordshire CAB, said: “We are very grateful as this funding will secure the debt and housing service for another year, which means that we can carry on providing the specialist help that people need.”

Anyone experiencing debt or housing difficulties can call Witney CAB on 01993 705691 or Chipping Norton CAB on 01608 641367.