Parish councils have been accused of being tight-fisted for failing to share the cost of supporting Citizens Advice Bureaux (CAB).

Mayor of Wallingford Alec Hayton launched an attack on neighbouring parishes, accusing them of not doing enough to help support the lifeline service, which is struggling through underfunding and increasing demand.

The lion's share of funding to CABs in the south-east of the county comes from South Oxfordshire District Council.

Cllr Hayton said: "People from the parishes are using Citizens Advice Bureaux but councils are certainly not doing enough to support them. I think it is very poor."

He added: "I am not saying they should pay for every member of their community who uses it, but I do think they should do more."

He said individual councils should be forced to make an annual payment of at least £150.

The service has been left facing an increase in the number of people passing through its doors - partly as a result of changes to legal aid entitle- ment.

Wallingford Town Council helps out its branch by providing rent-free accommodation.

Chairman of Benson Parish Council John Taylor said it strongly supported its local CAB, which holds an outreach session. He said: "We take it very seriously and definitely give enough."

Story date: Wednesday 02 February

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