HMRC withdraws demand. A client with mental health problems will not have to pay back more than £2400 in overpaid tax credits received during tax year 2015-16. HMRC made its decision last month following the direct involvement of Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead on her behalf. The debt came about after a change in income […]
Sponsored Walk Sunday 7 May Will you join us for a ramble through beautiful Downs countryside and help us raise badly-needed funds ? You can start anytime between 0830 and 1000 at Tattenham Corner. The planned distance is just under 8 miles with a halfway refreshment point. We’re grateful to Banstead Rotary for the opportunity to offer […]
Dental charges dispute. Definitely a case for….. A dental patient needed treatment but knew he would find it difficult to pay. He told the dentist and showed his tax credit documents. The dentist carried out the treatment. This man asked the Bureau for advice when, some weeks later, he got a letter from NHS Business Services Authority. They […]
Supporting young people with emotional difficulties. The Heads Together organisation is offering free workshops in Merstham for parents of young people suffering mental health and emotional well-being issues. Events will take place at Merstham Community Facility Trust, 44 Portland Drive, Merstham, 10am – 11.45am. The programme is as follows: Anger – 10am Friday 21st April […]
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 […]
Briefing with fellow frontline charity. At Citizens Advice Reigate & Banstead we put a high priority on training. At this week’s Banstead volunteers and staff meeting we welcomed Paul from Samaritans Leatherhead. At the heart of his service is ‘active listening’. People contact the 24-hour service by email, text and drop-in as well as phone (a new free line, 116 123, is now live). Volunteers don’t advise […]
Helping people now courts are closed. We would like to thank local media for their stories* last week about the Reigate and Redhill courts closing. They reminded readers and listeners that even though the Citizens Advice court desk closed along with the court we’re still here to help people facing legal action. For example over the years we’ve helped hundreds of […]
Spreading the word at Burgh Heath. At Citizens Advice Banstead the volunteer publicity group is always looking for opportunities to talk about the service. They don’t come much better than a busy superstore. Thanks again to ASDA for a great pitch at the store entrance last Friday. To our dynamic publicity chair Helen for setting things up. And to all team members taking shifts throughout the […]
Long-serving advisers leaving – but staying in touch. This month new circumstances mean we sadly say goodbye to 2 dedicated staff members. Chris Blockey has been our advice services manager and court desk supervisor for over 15 years. For many families facing court action and eviction Chris’s calm manner and expertise led to a positive outcome. Reigate court is now closed but our service goes on and Chris hopes […]