THERE has always been one organisation you can turn to for free, impartial advice if you have money troubles: Citizens Advice. But in these times of austerity and financial uncertainty, even this organisation is having to cut down on its hours as a result of funding cuts.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Universal Credit - the new benefit designed to replace a whole range of other welfare benefits - is being rolled out in York.

That is a major change for families who rely on benefits. Yet at the very time they will be needing advice most, Citizens Advice in York has had to cut its advice sessions from four days a week to two.

Labour councillors in York want the council to find £20,000 to enable the organisation to return to four days a week while Universal Credit is being rolled out. But Conservatives and Lib Dems have declined to support the suggestion. Lib Dem councillor Ian Cuthbertson said while his party shared concerns, it thought extra support should be available for other advice organisations, not just Citizens Advice.

Predictably, this has turned into a political row, with Labour accusing the other two parties of letting vulnerable people down to save £20,000.

We’re not going to get drawn into a political spat. The Lib Dems may be right that there are other organisations well placed to provide advice.

But that could be looked into later. Citizens Advice has a proven track record, and is trusted by those who need help. In the short term, surely it wouldn’t harm the council to provide a few thousand pounds so the organisation can continue helping those having trouble understanding a big change to the way their benefits are paid?