Too many problems are caused or made worse by social isolation. Local actions are vital but national government can help.
The energy industry’s 2018 offer to loyal customers. Competition alone isn’t enough.
At this time of year most of us think about those who are without family or friends. Research shows 9 million say they are always or often lonely. Happily however many people are now asking about the causes of loneliness and how everyone can help reduce it permanently. The Jo Cox Commission chaired by Seema Kennedy MP and Rachel […]
The government has published a strategy for improving work, health and disability (1). Focusing on changes to social security, the workplace, and healthcare system, ministers aim to raise the number of people with disabilities in work from 3.5m to 4.5m (28.5%). They will do this by: improving the capability of Job Centre Plus; providing more […]
It’s National Consumer Week. This year our big theme is warning consumers to be very careful when taking on a subscription. Whatever the product or service, everyone should know the risks of: auto-enrolment into an ongoing direct debit (when a fixed-term or trial commitment hides what you’re really taking on) agreeing to a ‘continuing payment authority’ without realising problems […]
A word from the wise would improve chances of success. Practical advice from people who really know what it’s like to go it alone could make the difference between success and failure for potential local entrepreneurs. That’s the message of Better Self-Employment, a new report from Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead, published 27 November, our District Training […]
Begins ‘Cyber Monday’ 27 November. At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we’re gearing up for National Consumer Week. This year it comes hot on the heels of Black Friday and begins on the follow-up retail fest, Cyber Monday. Good timing – the big theme of NCW17 is warning consumers to be very careful when taking on a subscription. Whatever […]
British Gas has set itself a goal. By abolishing standard variable tariffs it describes as “expensive” it will transform the market “and give customers a fairer, simpler deal and lower bills”. Its Consumer CEO claims the goal is within reach, but then in an unfortunate turn of phrase “we can’t get there unless suppliers, the Government, and […]
Most credit card limit increases are uninvited. Credit card companies are pushing credit on cardholders who can’t pay. That’s the worrying message of research published by Citizens Advice. The Bank of England and Financial Conduct Authority have been concerned for some time about growth in unsecured debt, particularly on credit cards, as we reported in the summer. With incomes stagnant and inflation […]