TOWN councillors in Minehead have backed the support Citizens Advice gives to local residents with a £5,000 grant.

They commended the work of Citizens Advice West Somerset (CAWS), which is based in Market House Lane.

A council spokesperson said the grant would help CAWS to continue working with residents throughout the 2025-26 financial year.

The decision reflected councillors’ recognition of the vital support CAWS provides in the community, from offering guidance on housing, employment, and benefits, to helping people navigate complex personal and financial challenges, playing a critical role in the lives of many Minehead residents.

Councillors said they welcomed the opportunity to support an organisation that was making such a meaningful impact locally.

They hoped the funding would help CAWS to not just continue its valuable services but to reach even more individuals in need.

Town clerk Ben Parker said: “Citizens Advice West Somerset offers an essential service to our community, often supporting people through very difficult circumstances.

“We are pleased to be able to contribute to their work and look forward to building a positive and ongoing partnership.

“Minehead Town Council looks forward to staying informed about CAWS’ continued efforts and the impact this contribution will help to achieve.”

CAWS offers free and independent advice to anybody in West Somerset in need help with money, welfare benefits, employment, housing, consumer issues, or other matters.

It has recently been giving advice on soaring energy bills, which it said three in 10 households struggled to pay, Government changes to immigration rules, new ‘buy now pay later’ rules which aimed to protect shoppers, and tips for making school holidays special on a budget.

The service has been running since 1979, when it started as the West Somerset Advice Bureau operating independently at the time to the national Citizen’s Advice, to which it is now affiliated.