Good news for anyone who needs to claim Personal Independence Payment. Citizens Advice has released a really helpful guide to completing the questionnaire that so often leaves people scratching their heads about the information needed. The guide covers each question in detail and will make life easier both for people applying on their own and advisers helping clients. Most important, according to the Citizens Advice […]
National group expects action to fill the gap when courts close. Last week’s government decision to close 86 courts in locations across the country has provoked a strong response from Citizens Advice at national and local level. In a statement national Citizens Advice called for use of technology such as video links to ensure people have […]
From January 2017 there will be no local court service in Reigate & Banstead. Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service yesterday confirmed the closure of Redhill Magistrates’ Court and Family Court and Reigate County Court and Family Court. In a parliamentary statement justice minister Shailesh Vara explained the government’s commitment to a modern courts estate in […]
More financial capability is the aim of new research from Citizens Advice. Managing money well has never been more challenging – or more important. Advice is everywhere: in banks, online, TV and radio, newspapers and advertisements. What’s often missing is the help people actually need, when they need it. The preventative advice gap from the Citizens Advice research team […]
We’re worrying about the government’s provisional budget settlement for Surrey County Council. It could harm disadvantaged people and voluntary groups such as Citizens Advice. We aren’t alone. Two different voices sounding the same warning: 1 Citizens Advice Newcastle has been told by its council that core funding will be withdrawn completely. If this happens the […]
Plea to MPs to help prevent higher demand and reduced budgets harming voluntary groups and disadvantaged people. The vice-chair of trustees at Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead has written to local MPs asking them to do whatever possible to persuade the government to raise the provisional budget settlement allocated to Surrey County Council. Richard Hoffman says unless something […]
There will be winners and losers as the new system is introduced. A report published today by the respected Institute of Fiscal Studies* is recommended by Citizens Advice as “a decent unbiased assessment”. We agree. Everyone wants the new combined benefit to succeed. Whether in work or looking for a job, millions of citizens have an interest […]
Columnist shows how advice and support in local courts help reduce homelessness. In today’s Guardian Polly Toynbee describes how Shelter advisers work with people facing court action for rent arrears and eviction*. The debts have various causes including ignorance of entitlement, withdrawal of benefit and a mental health condition. In many cases the court is prepared to […]
It’s been a busy start to 2016. Here’s a taste of what we’ve been up to in January. Citizens Advice R&B January 2016 Read about our work first on Twitter or Facebook where you can keep up to date and join the conversation. We’re really looking forward to seeing you. You can also email us randc@randbdcab.org.uk *****
Reigate & Banstead is seeing an increase in extreme poverty some people will find surprising. In January we have reported: significant growth in street homeless on average 15 clients a week needing access to a food bank highest number of clients needing emergency assistance. Policymakers are on the case. The Welfare Reform Bill before parliament is […]