OLDER people in Darlington could lose out on millions if a “vital” advice service is cut further, a charity boss has warned.

The information and advice centre operated by Age UK Darlington is desperate for funding, according to the charity’s chief executive, Gillian Peel.

Without a financial boost, the already-stretched service will struggle to cope with ever-increasing demand, Ms Peel said.

The information and advice service is based at Beaumont Street, Darlington and offers older people help with issues around finances, benefits, fuel efficiency and care provision.

The service has helped Darlington’s residents reclaim millions in benefits they were entitled to but not claiming.

However, without a funding boost, the information and advice centre could be reduced to operating for just half a day a week as staffing faces being cut by two-thirds.

Ms Peel said: “Unless something dramatic happens by April chances are we’ll be down to having just half a role filled.

“We operated having just one and a half posts last year and managed to make a £1.6m difference in income for older people in Darlington.

“Last November, we made a £271,000 difference in helping our clients access unclaimed benefits.

“We don’t have to advertise because demand is through the roof already and we usually help more than 50 people a month – the difference we make to them is enormous.”

Ms Peel added: “Our service will be at risk if we go down to having just half a role and if our service is lost, older people in Darlington will miss out on money they’d spend locally – it will hurt the whole town’s economy.

“There are a lot of government cuts happening at the moment and funding we’ve previously relied on is drying up.

“The new Carers’ Act says older people must have access to free information and advice but at the same time, we can’t get funding.

“Just when demand is set to go through the roof our service will be reduced yet we’re incredibly cost effective – it’s unbelievable when people are needing more and more advice.

“Reducing our service to a third of what it was will mean a massive loss for the community but funding is harder than ever to find.”

For more details about the information and advice centre or to access the service call 01325 357345, email advice@ageukdarlington.org.uk or visit the Beaumont Street site.

Volunteers and donations are welcome in a bid to keep services at Age UK Darlington running.