Petersfield Town Council has been urged to “reconsider their attitude” towards Citizens Advice East Hampshire following a renewed plea for funding.

There was dismay in March when PTC slashed its annual handout to CAEH from £12,000 to £2,000.

The group’s chief executive, Helen Drake, warned PTC at the time the cutback could force the organisation to leave its rented office in the library with dire consequences for some of the district’s neediest people.

But with budget-making around the corner she reminded councillors last Thursday of how vital their service is, with a fresh funding request for £12,000 being submitted.

Councillors heard a man who had been living in a tent for three months after being discharged from hospital with serious mental health issues, and a penniless mother who faced eviction because of a DWP error had benefited from their help.

The Petersfield office is the busiest of three in East Hants with 2,980 people being assisted between April 2024 and this March, compared to around 800 the previous year.

And councillors also heard their counterparts in Alton and Whitehill have been generous, with the former signing a peppercorn lease and WTC agreeing to give CAEH £13,000 a year with the proviso to stay in Bordon.

“I urge you, as town councillors, in view of the demand placed by residents for this service to reconsider your attitude towards CAEH, as it’s an essential service which supports the most vulnerable people in Petersfield,” said district councillor, David Podger.

He was rebutted by PTC’s Steve Dewey, who said the decision was “not about attitude” but the funding available, claiming the council didn’t have the money.

But Cllr Podger responded: “Well, I hope when you consider your budget next year you will be more inclined to put more emphasis on this service.”