Recent data show why sanctions policy should take more account of individual circumstances. The number of “street homeless” (living outside even temporary formal accommodation) is growing. Most recent official information (for 2014) shows a 14% national increase. According to new data from the Mayor of London, in 2015 there were nearly twice as many rough […]
Local campaign Problems made worse by not recognising different circumstances. Our male client is homeless but lives in a tent not accommodation provided by the council or charity. He has mental health problems but no contact with health services. He has no bank account, photo ID or mobile phone. In October he missed a health assessment linked to his […]
A new report from Citizens Advice shows people think the justice system is an important public service. But many also think it “remote, confusing, intimidating and inaccessible”. Information from Citizens Advice Witness Service and online polling paints an unhappy picture. One in five who have been involved in courts say they came out with a worse opinion of them than […]
PRESS RELEASE 01 December 2015 Courts closures: local justice at risk. The government has re-stated its plans to close courts in Redhill and Reigate. Confirmation to press ahead came in last week’s Comprehensive Spending Review. Land released by the closures will be sold off for house building. Cases will be transferred to Staines or Guildford. […]
Plans to close local courts and sell off the land for house building will have serious consequences, according to Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead. In its Autumn Statement the government confirmed it will close courts in Redhill and Reigate among others across the country. In future, cases will be heard in Guildford or Staines. Chris […]
Many families are paying more than necessary for essentials such as energy, banking and broadband. One way to save is by switching to a better deal with a new supplier but most stick with their current company. Why is this? The government would like to know and is inviting everyone to explain in a survey why they have (or haven’t!) switched in the past 2 years. […]
This year council tax arrears is the biggest debt problem by a margin. And growing: see Table below from ‘Advice Trends’. Our advisers help clients clear their debts, often through a realistic repayment plan. The plan can be acceptable to the council but crucially also allow the client to pay their current year tax and keep up with other outgoings. Unfortunately a new government enforcement policy is about to make this sensible way forward almost impossible. The […]
From Wednesday 25 November Citizens Advice will highlight its Talk About Abuse campaign to coincide with the United Nations 16 Days of Action to end violence against women and girls. Official UK figures for 2013-14 show an estimated 1.4 million female victims of domestic violence. Our campaign, which also draws attention to male victims, encourages people to look for signs of domestic […]
This important government bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on 2 November. It’s now in committee for detailed scrutiny. Citizens Advice is pleased that a lot of its ideas for improving the position of tenants in the private rented sector have been accepted by ministers and appear in the bill. Good news, BUT in many aspects the bill […]
Louise Tennuci, one of our volunteers, is leading a project in the bureau to make life easier for those of our citizens who qualify for parking badges. Louise says “I have volunteered at the Bureau since January 2012. I am a member of the Research and Campaigns Team which aims to highlight the problems and […]