A partnership between Malvern Hills District Council (MHDC) and a local charity, which supports more than 4,000 people each year is set to continue.
At a meeting on 18 November, the Executive Committee recommended the approval of a new five-year grant agreement between MHDC and South Worcestershire Citizen’s Advice (SWCA), set to begin in April 2026.
The partnership will continue to provide information, advice, and support to residents across the district with a range of issues, including help with benefits and pensions, debt and money advice, housing, employment, and relationships.
SWCA is set to receive an annual grant of £205,000 from MHDC to work with health providers, volunteer groups, community hubs, and town/parish councils to embed advice services and to provide welfare support.
The charity also manages the Local Welfare Assistance Scheme on behalf of MHDC, as well as supporting the Homes for Ukraine scheme through the provision of specialist welfare support to resettled communities.
This renewed partnership follows a previous agreement which, over the past two and a half years has seen 8,487 individual clients supported with over 25,000 different issues.
During this time, advice provided by SWCA led to a total recorded income gain of more than £1.6m, along with a further £70,000 obtained in the form of reimbursements for grants and services. In addition, more than £287,000 worth of unaffordable debt was written off.
SWCA is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, meaning that it can help residents with money and debt issues, offering advice on everything from budgeting and debt solutions.
Cllr Jennie Watkins, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Housing at Malvern Hills District Council, said: “We’re delighted to continue our long-standing partnership with South Worcestershire Citizen’s Advice. The support they provide is vital for many residents across our district, particularly during these challenging times. This new five-year agreement will ensure that people can continue to access high-quality, confidential advice and assistance when they need it most.”
Annie Robson, Chief Executive of South Worcestershire Citizen’s Advice, said: “We’re proud of the impact our partnership with Malvern Hills District Council has had so far. Our teams and volunteers have worked tirelessly to help thousands of local people resolve problems and improve their wellbeing. This renewed funding will allow us to build on that success and reach even more residents in need of support.”
The new agreement will come into effect from April 2026, ensuring continued access to essential advice and welfare services for Malvern Hills residents.
Visit www.malvernhills.gov.uk/support For more information about support available across the Malvern Hills district.
Pictured: Annie Robson, Chief Executive of South Worcestershire Citizen’s Advice, outside the building in Malvern.
Published on 21 November 2025