Grahame Morris MP joined Citizens Advice at a reception in the Houses of Parliament. The event  showcased an interactive map of Easington and revealed the issues people are facing.

It shows that Citizens Advice helped 2,995 people in the area with 15,472 issues. The top three problems people needed assistance with were: benefits, debt and Universal Credit.

According to its latest Impact Report, Citizens Advice helps to solve four in five of people’s problems when they ask for help. This reduces the number of people who turn to public services for support on welfare, health and housing issues.

For every £1 invested in the Citizens Advice service, the government and public services save £2 – amounting to £420 million last year.

Grahame Morris MP said: “Citizens Advice has been on the frontline helping people for the past 80 years which means they have incredible insight into the problems people face.

“I’m always keen to find new and inventive ways of staying informed about the concerns of my constituents. Citizens Advice’s local data shows strong evidence on which to act.

“Citizens Advice – with its army of volunteers – is tremendous at providing support for people living in East Durham. I will continue to work closely with them for the benefit of residents.”

Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“It was great that Grahame was able to join us. Our interactive maps highlight the issues we see on the ground in East Durham.

“The right advice and support can transform lives. Citizens Advice helps people find a way forward.

“It’s important people can access free and impartial advice when they need it, whether face to face, over the phone or online. We’re pleased to work with MPs to help them solve their constituents’ problems and address local and national issues.”

Citizens Advice provides free, confidential and impartial advice to people in East Durham. The national website provides advice online, over email and via web chat at www.citizensadvice.org.uk