About us

We are a registered charity and for 85 years, we’ve been helping to shape a society that’s fairer for everyone – working on issues that affect the people living or working in Halton.

We can all face problems that seem complicated or intimidating. At Citizens Advice Halton we believe no one should have to face these problems without good quality, independent advice.

That’s why we’re here: to give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.

We make a difference

We are an independent charity that offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. When we say we’re for everyone, we mean it. People rely on us because we’re independent and totally impartial.

In 2023-24 we helped over 8,000 people find a way forward with advice.

  • We gave advice on 54,108 different issues
  • Benefits (3,000 people), Debt (2,000 people), help to access charitable support (1,900 people) were our most common enquiry areas
  • £4.4 million of debt written off and £3.5 million of income gained
  • 90% of people using our services would recommend us to a friend.

We speak up for our clients

No one else sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today.

With the right evidence, we can show big organisations – from companies to the NHS, from the Council to the Government – how they can make things better for local people.

We see how problems can be linked. By helping people with the underlying cause of their problems and making sure they don’t get worse, we save the Council and the government millions of pounds every year.

We show where things are going wrong and how to help make it better for people.

Our Leadership Team

Claire Pentin (Chair of Trustees)

Senior manager for Children’s services with extensive experience of working in local government and also charities.  Former Chair of School Governors.  Specialist knowledge in: a) Safeguarding, b) Early years, education, childcare and youth work, c) Lived experience of working in Halton.

Geoff Hawker (Vice Chair)

A qualified accountant who is an independent contractor, specialising in Finance Director support to the Public Sector. Specialist knowledge of: a) Finance, b) Governance, c) Risk, d) Leadership development, e) IT.

John Doyle (Treasurer)

Former NHS Finance Director, now NHS non-executive director.  Qualified accountant. Specialist knowledge of: a) Finance, b) Governance, c) Risk management, d) Lived experience of living and working in Halton.

Hitesh N. Patel (Chief Executive)

25+ years of senior management experience in the charitable sector.  Qualifications include: BA Hons. Maths & Accounting, Post-Graduate Diploma Law, Masters in Business Administration.