Community workshop. Companies and voluntary groups gathered at Harlequin Redhill on 18 November for a Reigate & Banstead Business Community and Social Value Workshop. Crispin Blunt MP introduced the event and outlined its purpose. He was “keen to support closer co-operation between locally based businesses and the local voluntary community and faith sectors for the benefit of all”. Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead […]
Smart meter benefits cut. The government has revised down its estimates of energy price reductions from installing smart meters. Originally (2014) the expected saving for combined gas and electricity was £26. Now it’s £11. The news comes in a detailed cost-benefit analysis issued 10/11/16 and explained for us by the Sunday Times (£/register). This is embarrassing. The government, regulators and suppliers are under pressure to correct overcharging […]
Homelessness today. Three people. Three situations. One problem, for them and society. That was After Cathy (15/11/16), a Radio 4 documentary and useful homage to the famous Ken Loach film now 50 years old. Stewart, Bernard and Zahra told their own stories in phone diaries. The producers provided context but never dimmed the spotlight on the principals’ hopes and fears. At Citizens Advice Reigate and Banstead our work makes […]
Reforms not enough. Energy suppliers are working on reforms required by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) and Ofgem to protect customers from overcharging. They need to. The CMA reports the annual rip-off is £1.4 billion. But already the reforms look too timid and too late. The Sun (1) claims to have seen a secret industry […]
Resolution Foundation: restore work allowances. Working families on low-to-middle income have not fared well for years. In advice to the chancellor* ahead of the Autumn Statement (23 November) Resolution Foundation points out that their average incomes were no higher in 2014-15 than 2004-05. The prime minister says her government will work for everyone. Resolution shows that […]
Consultation on 2 child limitation. As set out in the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 the government will limit child tax credit and the child element of universal credit to 2 children from 2017. There will be exceptions however. The Department of Work and Pensions and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs have now jointly […]
Essential. Enjoyable. District Training Day is a highlight of our calendar here at Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead. Should we get out more? In fact nothing is more essential to our volunteer advisers than feeling confident on the big issues. On 2nd November some of the biggest were on the agenda. With 50 colleagues, expert speakers and sun shining we had a great day. Above all it […]
For mutual benefit. At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we work with many groups to get the best outcome for people who ask us for help. One is Surrey Choices who serve people with a learning or physical disability or mental health need and older people living with dementia who may be vulnerable. It’s really about colleagues sharing expertise for mutual benefit. For example last month our training manager Helen led a session for […]
Disability benefits reform. “More personalised” work capability assessments are promised by work and pensions secretary Damian Green. The reform is expected in a DWP Green Paper along with other measures to help people with disabilities into work. The announcement is a welcome response to campaigning by Citizens Advice and others. At CA Reigate & Banstead we’ve strongly backed the call for change. In […]
What we did. A few snapshots anyway. Big Energy Saving Week Sudden death advice Volunteer Fair Social media Film review (wot?) Housing questions October CARBS