Stronger together. Citizens Advice offices across Surrey are combining to make their voices heard better on social policy issues. One such is the change from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment. A growing number of people asking for help have seen a major loss of independence and lower quality of life following a mobility assessment. We are joining colleagues […]
Briefing with fellow frontline charity. At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we put a high priority on training. At this week’s Banstead volunteers and staff meeting we welcomed Paul from Samaritans Leatherhead. At the heart of his service is ‘active listening’. People contact the 24-hour service by email, text and drop-in as well as phone (a new free line, 116 123, is now live). Volunteers don’t advise […]
Lenders must be responsible. The Bank and the Financial Conduct Authority are launching reviews into lending practices. Citizens Advice says more must be done to make sure lenders across all consumer credit markets behave responsibly towards their customers. National Citizens Advice Chief Executive Gillian Guy said: “While households are struggling to meet everyday costs like rent and […]
Helping people now courts are closed. We would like to thank local media for their stories* last week about the Reigate and Redhill courts closing. They reminded readers and listeners that even though the Citizens Advice court desk closed along with the court we’re still here to help people facing legal action. For example over the years we’ve helped hundreds of […]
Spreading the word at Burgh Heath. At Citizens Advice Banstead the volunteer publicity group is always looking for opportunities to talk about the service. They don’t come much better than a busy superstore. Thanks again to ASDA for a great pitch at the store entrance last Friday. To our dynamic publicity chair Helen for setting things up. And to all team members taking shifts throughout the […]
Self-employed? Or status doubtful? Someone we heard from works for a school transport provider contracted to a local authority. During term time she puts in 20 hours a week as a school escort. Her role is to collect children with special needs from home and take responsibility for their safe journey to school or children’s centre […]
Long-serving advisers leaving – but staying in touch. This month new circumstances mean we sadly say goodbye to 2 dedicated staff members. Chris Blockey has been our advice services manager and court desk supervisor for over 15 years. For many families facing court action and eviction Chris’s calm manner and expertise led to a positive outcome. Reigate court is now closed but our service goes on and Chris hopes […]
Reigate and Redhill courts close today Thursday March 23. Local people must now attend court in Guildford, Staines or Crawley. Citizens Advice court service to close after 15 years. The Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead court desk has helped local people present their case in the courts for the past 15 years. Many face housing possession […]
Pimlico Plumber shows why change is needed. The recently reported Pimlico Plumber’s case highlighted a form of exploitation that has become common in the catering and service sector, construction and many other areas using relatively low paid staff in a competitive economy. It’s been called Bogus-Self Employment. The Job Offer There is a job advertised. […]
Taking control – Report and Recommendations. Citizens Advice and 6 other charities report this week (1) that some bailiffs are still exceeding their powers when trying to recover debts. Laws reformed as recently as 2014 should have provided debtors with greater protection from aggressive bailiffs. Citizens Advice chief executive, Gillian Guy, said: “Harsh tactics by bailiffs can […]