That this House celebrates the 85th anniversary of Citizens Advice Torbay, founded on 8 November 1940, and applauds its enduring role as a champion for local people; notes that the national Citizens Advice service began in 1939 with 200 bureaux opening just days after the outbreak of the Second World War; recognises that from its earliest days, volunteers in Torbay supported residents with wartime challenges including rationing, evacuation, homelessness, missing relatives and debt; further notes that Citizens Advice Torbay has consistently upheld the principles of being free, confidential, impartial and independent, while adapting to reflect the changing needs of communities across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham; acknowledges the organisation’s longstanding contribution to consumer protection, family and housing advice, debt and money management and its vital role during economic recessions and the coronavirus pandemic; pays tribute to the amazing staff and volunteers whose dedication enabled the service to expand, develop outreach in GP surgeries and provide increasingly complex casework as residents face overlapping issues of deprivation, housing, employment and ill health; and commends both Citizens Advice Torbay and the national Citizens Advice network, used by four in ten people during their lives, for giving individuals the knowledge and confidence they need to find a way forward, and for 85 years of outstanding public service.
