A vital advice service has had its funding cut just as it is faces a big increase in workload caused by benefit changes this year.

Leatherhead and Dorking Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has had to accept 10 per cent less funding for the coming year from Mole Valley Council.

The cut comes at a time when neighbouring Epsom and Ewell CAB has received an extra £12,000 from its council to pay for an extra casework supervisor.

Despite the cut the Leatherhead and Dorking CAB has managed to protect opening hours and staff through cost cutting, using its reserves and taking on work for the county council on a new welfare scheme.

But chairman of trustees Peter Jackson warned the CAB did not have the time or resources to prepare for extra requests when welfare reforms come in from April.

And he said they were now having to spend part of their time on the Local Assistance Scheme, which will replace elements of the Government social fund, in return for a grant from Surrey County Council.

He said: "This will not cover the considerable extra work we know we will get from clients concerning the impact of the Welfare Reform Act."

The CAB has already experiencing a more than 20 per cent increase in requests for advice over benefit changes.

Its original grant application to Mole Valley for £139,000 was reduced to £125,500 after a council officer advised them the amount would not be forthcoming due to financial pressures.

Mole Valley council leader Councillor Chris Townsend said the council still provides the CAB with a 'tremendous amount', which makes up 70 per cent of its funding.

Coun Townsend said: "We recognise the valuable work they do."

He added: "I accept there is going to be more work as welfare changes come through and it's a situation we are quite aware of.

"But we have to cut our costs. We are trying to ensure they can continue as best they can and should they be concerned in six to nine months time they have every right to come back."