At a meeting of Rotherham Council's Cabinet committee it was agreed that further grants should be distributed to enable organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau and Age Concern to continue helping the most vulnerable people in the town. So far the council has committed £92,000 out of the £250,000 pot of money that
was put aside in March to help during the current economic crisis.

This figure will now rise to £163,653 after the cabinet committee agreed a further package of financial support for organisations that had seen a "huge increase" in cases.

The committee heard that a total of 3,190 extra clients had been given assistance during the past three months with the help of extra reserves from the council and NHS Rotherham.

The Citizens Advice Bureau has seen a 261 per cent increase in cases compared with last year, and has now been able to set up a dedicated phone line as well as gaining benefits worth £70,000 for its clients.

The Kiveton Park Independent Advice Centre saw an extra 80 clients in one month and Age Concern dealt with 231 extra clients, as well as carrying out 22 per cent more home visits than previously.

Further projects are currently being considered by council officers, including investment in a volunteering scheme and additional funding for debt advice services.

If these projects gain approval it will bring the total financial commitment by the council to just over £248,000.

The council's Cabinet member for resources, Coun Ken Wyatt, said: "These organisations are doing a marvellous job with very limited resources.

"They always deliver excellent help and advice but it is particularly vital that their services
continue during this current crisis.

"We have evidence from them just how busy they are so if we do not provide them with this additional financial support, then unfortunately the impact of the credit crunch will only get worse for a large number of individuals and families."