Bigger grant aids advice bureau

An increase in an annual lotteries grant will help offset rising costs of running Citizens Advice Bureau Whanganui.

The bureau received $4500 from the Lottery Grants Board this week, a $500 increase on last year.

Wanganui treasurer Colleen Pryce said the bureau had received $4000 for a few years, but this year the amount had been increased to help cover the cost of bills.

"The cost of everything is rising. It was time they topped it up," Mrs Pryce said.

The grant would go towards running costs, which included power, telephones, rent, and paying travel expenses so volunteers could go to AGMs, workshops and conferences.

She said training was important so Wanganui residents have access to help on consumer rights, budgeting and tenancy rights among others.

"We are letting people know their rights and responsibilities and we learn that through training," she said.

The Wanganui bureau has 30 volunteers, but Mrs Pryce said it was always looking for more.

Last year more than 800 people walked in the doors, and the bureau had helped 4000 people in general, many of whom were repeat visitors.

"Once people know that we're there they keep coming back," Mrs Pryce said.

The Citizens Advice Bureau Whanganui's running costs add to $20,000, which is all paid for by a range of trusts.

The other 61 Citizens Advice Bureaus around the country also received grants of the same value.

"They're a very generous lottery," Mrs Pryce said.

Last year, the Lottery Grants Board gave the New Zealand Citizens Advice Bureau $504,000.