AN advice centre says it is business as usual despite council funding cuts.

There are fears Citizens Advice Colchester could be forced to reduce services after cuts in Colchester Council’s Voluntary Welfare Grant funding.

The council announced its grant to the advice bureau year will be £25,000 - half of which has already been received. 

Since then trustees have met to discuss future arrangements with volunteers.

However, Jo Blyth, operations manager at Citizens Advice Colchester, said nothing is changing yet.

She said: “We want to reassure people in Colchester who need help that we remain open five days a week.

“Alongside our general advice service we have specialist advisers who can help people with debt and employment problems.

“Meanwhile our Help to Claim service for those needing support to claim Universal Credit is available at the Jobcentre throughout the week.

“People in the area who need advice can contact us face-to-face, over the phone, or via our national webchat service.

“No-one at Citizens Advice Colchester has been made redundant following a reduction in our core funding in April.”

The centre is due to receive a second instalment of £12,500 later this month.

Earlier this year it was announced an extra £17,500 from the council's spending priorities budget would be allocated.