Reducing financial exclusion. Many bankers would privately admit that people with few assets or low incomes make less attractive customers than their better-heeled neighbours. Understandable? Yes but unhelpful to those who find it hard to make ends meet. Banks have provided basic accounts for years. Unfortunately they often had strings attached and weren’t suitable for those who needed […]
Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead today welcomed colleagues from CA offices in Surrey to a meeting about social policy research and campaigns. Just about everyone knows Citizens Advice provides the country’s best advice service. Not so many know we also work to change the policies and practices that cause problems for our clients. Our advisers’ wide knowledge of […]
Credit policy. True or false: banks and other lenders offer a good service to customers in financial difficulty? This summer Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead and other CABs are looking at the evidence. A positive credit score is a normal part of a secure and happy life. But getting one can be an uphill task for people on low […]
To grow as a person and add value. What makes our brilliant volunteers give their time and energy to Citizens Advice? Our Training Manager Helen has a pretty good idea. “They want to enhance their skills and help people with problems lead happier lives.” Here’s how it works: You are trained to give advice effectively and improve […]
Latest from our friends at Trading Standards. Legal highs Mobile Users Text 78070 to reduce nuisance calls Council Tax scam Don’t install What’sApp Gold – malware alert HMRC and iTunes gift card scam Small business and money laundering Recalls: lots unfortunately including Currys , Argos, Kelloggs, ASDA/George, more… TS Alert May 27
CARBS May. This month (and every month) our focus was on helping clients, whoever they are, whatever their problem. Here’s a few other things we did: working with local groups spotlighting where public policy isn’t working in conversation on social media. CARBS May PS: We’re also recruiting volunteer Gateway Assessors and Research and Campaigns team members.
Could you be an Assessor in Banstead? At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we’re recruiting special individuals to help our clients get the help they need as quickly as possible. As a Gateway Assessor you would evaluate people’s needs face-to-face, on the phone or webchat and identify the best course of action. It might be self-help information, referral to a specialist organisation or […]
Talking about abuse. Domestic abuse is a prevalent crime and shocking fact of life in our county and country. Estimates are 1 in 4 women, 1 in 6 men suffer at some point in their lives. On average 2 women a week are killed by their partners. Behind Closed Doors, this week’s conference to raise […]
Latest bulletin from our friends at Trading Standards. Epsom fraud conviction National Scam Trap 2-week campaign from Monday 23 May Cybercriminals target Olympic sports fans Theatre ticket scammers on Facebook Text message fraud – premium rate charges Recalls: Lidl, Costco, Vauxhall….more Consumer news.
On the money. There’s a ‘Great Divide’ between financial insiders and outsiders. So said Bank of England Chief Economist Andy Haldane* last week (pic FT.com). And so say us at Citizens Advice. A lot needs to happen. Mr Haldane points to last year’s Bank Open Forum (attended by Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead) showing a more […]