CORNWALL Council has said it is committed to finding a sustainable future for Citizens Advice Cornwall - after a row erupted over funding.

CAC last week launched a petition campaigning against cuts to its funding from the council.

Under the council’s draft budget for 2017/18, Citizens Advice Cornwall would have its funding cut from £356,000 to £153,000.

The charity says this could involve the closure of several offices and a reduction in staff and volunteers.

Last week the council launched a survey into the CAC service to help inform its decision.

Now Deputy Leader Julian German has said the council remains committed to ensuring people in Cornwall who needed face-to-face support would continue to receive a service.

He said: ’The last Council voted to cut funding for Citizens Advice Cornwall (CAC) to zero from April. While we have a tough challenge to find £75 million of savings, on top of £300 million already delivered, we are committed to securing a sustainable future for CAC.

‘The debt and welfare challenges people are facing under this Government’s austerity agenda are real and that’s why we remain committed to finding a solution.

‘We are working with CAC to explore all of the ways that the Council can support them. For example, we are considering whether we can offer them office space in Cornwall Council buildings to cut their overheads.

‘We all want a sustainable future for CAC but we are also faced with tough financial challenges and the reality that the Council budget is not limitless.’

People can have their say on the proposal through a survey on the Cornwall Council website: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/have-your-say/citizens-advice-cornwall-consultation/

The CAC petition can be signed online at https://www.change.org/p/adam-paynter-save-citizens-advice-cornwall or in any Citizens Advice office.