People in need of cost-of-living support in Cherwell will continue to have access to a free advice service.

Cherwell District Council will continue to fund the Citizens Advice West Northants and Cherwell money advice service, which helps people with housing, benefits, and more, for another year.

In the past year, the service dealt with more than 3,600 cases, covering topics such as universal credit, tax credits, loss of employment and rent arrears.

Councillor Chris Pruden, portfolio holder for housing, said: "Renewing the money advice service is a clear sign of our commitment to support our communities through the cost of living crisis.

"The right advice can make a massive difference to people who find themselves out of work, with problem debt, or facing housing concerns and we believe this is worth investing in."

He added the service has "life-changing benefits" for those who need it and also helps to prevent homelessness and support inclusion and social cohesion.

Most people use the money advice service remotely, but it also offers in-person help at hubs.

Forty per cent of users are from three Banbury wards which statistically experience the highest levels of deprivation in the district - Cross and Neithrop, Grimsbury and Hightown, and Hardwick and Ruscote.

The contract for the money advice service was first awarded in 2022 for two years and is worth £150,000 a year.