People in North Somerset are collectively £13million better off, thanks to work done over the past 12 months by a Weston-super-Mare advice organisation.

Citizens Advice North Somerset (CANS) is based at the Badger Centre in Wadham Street, and helped inject £13,122,864 into communities in 2016-17 by supporting people’s efforts to generate income, win charity grants and write off debt.

One of its most successful services has been the creation of First Steps, a project run in partnership with North Somerset Council.

It helps people struggling to pay council tax by creating an affordable repayment plan and ensuring the maximum amount of council tax support and discounts are received.

Cllr Mike Bell said: “The amazing work by CANS staff and volunteers makes such a huge difference to people in our community. When so many people are finding times tough, it is encouraging that there is a local charity that stands ready to help.”

For more information and to support CANS, visit www.nscab.org.uk