The government published its 2015 Comprehensive Spending Review this week. Local government spending across the country will fall by 6.7%* in real terms between now and 2020. The annual amount the government makes available to local councils will be 56% lower by 2020 but councils have new freedoms to raise funds locally. This will mean less money for local […]
Today’s public spending review has been heavily trailed. Unless we’ve been misled more cuts to local council budgets seem certain. Up to now and to their great credit local authorities have continued to support local Citizens Advice. They wisely see it as investing in the community. Freely available advice helps solve problems that in the longer run would lead to big extra costs*. This week Surrey County Council […]
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 […]
Have a look at the latest issue of Citizens Advice ‘Advice Trends’ out now. It’s the most up-to-date overview of people and their problems. And it shows how things are changing through the 4-year snapshot. Making the headlines for June to September 2015 is an incredible increase in advice needed for dealing with the Personal Independence Payment (51% up on last year!). […]
Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead is helping promote an NHS survey on community health services in Surrey. The idea is to use people’s opinions and experience to improve vital community services such as health visitors, speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, school nurses, district nurses and many others. You can complete the survey online now at Improving Community Services in Surrey Community […]
Citizens Advice played a full part in the first ever Bank of England Open Forum. CA Reigate & Banstead research and campaigns won a place in the public ballot and national chief executive Gillian Guy contributed to a panel debate. Among the main speakers were the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Mark Carney, […]
At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we’re keeping in touch with friends and contacts on social media. Why not like us on Facebook – Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead? Or follow us on Twitter – @randbdcab Or both!!
Citizens Advice is promoting National Consumer Week in partnership with Trading Standards and the government to raise awareness of Consumer Rights Act 2015. We want everyone to know their new rights. Consumer Rights Act 2015 makes existing rights simpler and clearer, including the rights: to clear and honest information before you buy to get what you pay for to goods and digital […]
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 […]