Council Says Citizens Advice Funding Delivered Tenfold Return

Thousands turn to service for support due to cost-of-living

Cllr Grewal at the Feltham session with members of Citizens Advice Hounslow. Picture: Hounslow Council

March 17, 2026

Hounslow Council’s says that its £1.6 million investment in Citizens Advice Hounslow (CAH) has delivered more than £17 million in financial gains for residents in its first year, with thousands of people turning to the service for support during the cost-of-living crisis.

Since the funding was agreed in January 2025, more than 15,000 residents borough-wide have received help with benefits, housing, debt and other welfare issues. The charity has secured over £11 million in additional benefits and managed or written off £4.3 million in debt, while also helping more than 2,500 people avoid homelessness and reduce £1.4 million in rent arrears.

Residents with advisors reporting high levels of enquiries relating to Universal Credit, disability benefits, private-rent arrears and energy debt — issues that have intensified as living costs continue to rise.

CAH has also supported residents facing complex tenancy issues and insecure work. Advisors have helped residents challenge incorrect benefit decisions, negotiate repayment plans and access emergency grants.

There has also been a notable increase in residents seeking support with disability-related benefits and appeals. Advisors say the area has also experienced a rise in people needing help with council tax arrears and debt management.

Councillor Ajmer Grewal, Cabinet Member for Residents Support, Communities and Equalities, visited the Feltham drop-in last week and praised the impact of the partnership.

“I was thoroughly impressed by the dedication and expertise of the staff at Citizens Advice Hounslow,” she said. “Through our investment, Citizens Advice Hounslow provides an invaluable lifeline to so many of our residents and I saw first-hand the difference this service is making.”

She added that the funding reflects the council’s wider commitment to the voluntary sector, which includes nearly £430,000 awarded to charities and community groups through the Thriving Communities grant programme over the past year.

Aiman Elal, CEO of Citizens Advice Hounslow, said the council’s investment has been “transformative” at a time when many households are struggling.

“Behind every statistic is a resident worried about losing their home, falling into debt, or struggling to put food on the table,” she said. “Thanks to this investment, we’ve been able to stand alongside those residents, helping them secure the benefits they are entitled to, resolve complex problems and regain financial stability.”

One resident described the service as life-changing. “As a single mum, the cost of everything has been really tough,” she said. “They helped me sort out my benefits and explained things in a way I could understand. It’s taken a huge weight off my shoulders.”

The main Brentford & Chiswick Citizens Advice office operates from Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, W4 4JN, offering both drop-in and phone-based support for residents . Advice is also available at the Community Hub at Brentford Library. In Isleworth, residents can access advice through the charity’s outreach base at the Bridgelink Centre on Summerwood Road (TW7 7QU), which forms part of Citizens Advice Hounslow’s network of community locations.