Changed pattern but frustration persists. On one day this week THREE homeless people came to our Redhill bureau without an appointment. Their situations were different but they shared a level of anxiety and frustration that showed again why new policies are urgently needed. Only one was ‘street homeless’, sleeping rough or at risk of sleeping rough. The others were getting support from housing departments but had problems with their current temporary accommodation. In truth, […]
Opportunity to meet. Reigate & Banstead Council housing team held a valuable Homelessness Forum at the Town Hall on Wednesday 17 May. R&BBC Housing Services Manager Richard Robinson, hosting the event, said the aim was to ensure everyone with an interest in reducing housing insecurity was up to speed on developments. Main topics for discussion were: A Year in Housing at the Council […]
Compare prices and star ratings. How much could you save? Citizens Advice has released an online price comparison tool allows customers to compare energy suppliers. It uses a 1 to 5 star rating system with stars awarded on a combination of factors: Complaints – how well they handle customer complaints Ease of switching – how many switches they carried out successfully in 21 days […]
Early election debate. A proposal to cap the energy bills of households on standard variable tariffs has caused an early campaign kerfuffle. Last year the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) said customers were being overcharged by an astonishing £1.4 billion a year. The current debate is about whether a cap on prices would be counter-productive. The CMA, the industry and some consumer groups think it would stop […]
On ballot papers for Westminster Election 2017. During the election campaign Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead will highlight policy issues that matter to the people we help and the whole community. Our national Citizens Advice policy team has listed 3 areas for discussion and questions to candidates: helping consumers get a better deal increased job security delivering welfare reform. Under the […]
Broadband customers pay for not shopping around. Citizens Advice today shows that customers of the top 5 broadband providers are charged on average £113 a year more than new customers if they stay on when their initial contract finishes. Other key findings are that it’s hard for customers to find out what they’re being charged; and vulnerable customers including older people […]
East Surrey people WILL have CA support at court. Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead will still be able to support local residents facing legal action following closure of Reigate and Redhill courts. The service will be funded by the Access to Justice Foundation. The foundation responded to a plea from Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead after hearing that […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]