A branch of a free national advice and support service used by thousands of vulnerable people has “closed until further notice”.

Citizens Advice Medway, a voluntary organisation and charity, has blamed Medway Council’s decision to withdraw its core funding.

The organisation is run by trained volunteers and operates from its walk-in centre at Kingsley House in Gillingham.

A notice on the door of the office in Balmoral Road suggests calling the national helpline on 0800 144 8848 if help is needed.

It adds it is “currently undergoing restructure in light of Medway Council’s decision to withdraw core funding so they can reduce costs and provide statutory housing and benefits advice services to Medway residents themselves”.

Cllr Teresa Murray, deputy leader and portfolio holder covering financial assessments, explained that the Citizens Advice Bureau were the providers of a contract to provide welfare and debt advice, which ended in December 2023.

“This decision was taken by the previous administration at a cabinet meeting in January 2023, and one which we have continued to support,” she said.

“The decision was made not to put this contract out to tender on the open market, as there was a duplication of service already provided within the council. “

She added that bringing welfare and debt advice in-house would allow for a “holistic service”, where all welfare benefit services in Medway Council are “centralised in one place”.

Cllr Murray added: “Medway Council provides centralised support and advice for residents around benefits, housing, money and debt advice, council tax reductions and health through our financial welfare hub.

“We will also continue to administer the Household Support Fund – which provides a vital lifeline for many people in Medway.

“We are committed to ensuring that Medway’s residents have access to the right support and advice that they need, and I would encourage anyone who feels as though they need help to get in touch with our team today.”

They can do so either through visiting the council website here, by phone on 01634 331 500, or email at financialwelfare@medway.gov.uk.

She added: “We recognise the important work that Medway Citizens Advice Bureau do, and we will continue to support them where possible.

“We have previously awarded them with a £19,000 grant from the Household Support Fund in November 2023, and another £30,000 grant from the fund in February 2024 to help them to support Medway’s residents.”

Its chief executive is Dan McDonald, a leading Medway Labour councillor whose party is the ruling group on the authority.

The Gillingham South member, who is chairman of the conduct committee and licensing and safety committee, has been approached for comment.

Citizens Advice Bureaus, or CABs, as they were initially called when first set up in 1939, offer a wide range of services, including consumer rights, pension guidance and claiming compensation.

They have contributed to high-profile campaigns, cracking down on payday lenders and overzealous bailiff activity, and regularly feed back data to the government.

It came into its prime when people faced unprecedented challenges during the coronavirus pandemic and the ensuing cost of living crisis.

In 2015, a witness service was launched providing free, independent support for witnesses in criminal courts in England and Wales.