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CAS written evidence to the Scottish Parliament Devolution (Further Powers) CommitteePublication date:August 2015
Whilst there are a number of areas of the Scotland Bill that fully meet the word and spirit of the Smith Agreement, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) believes that, as currently drafted, there are a number of sections of the Bill relating to social security and tribunals that do not appear to meet its intent. CAS is concerned that without changes being made there are clear risks of detriment to CAB clients, who sought advice on 207,875 new benefits issues in 2013/14 and who have been subject to recent changes to reserved tribunals which have had a marked and detrimental effect on consumers in Scotland.
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CAS BriefingPublication date:July 2015
This briefing focuses on the devolution of reserved Tribunals. Citizens Advice Scotland considers that clause 33 does not reflect the recommendation made by the Smith Commission that all powers over the management and operation of all reserved tribunals (which includes administrative, legislative and judicial functions) will be devolved to the Scottish Parliament.
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Publication date:June 2015
The civil court process can be daunting: the language, complex forms and buildings themselves are alien to most people. Lay representatives can make the process of pursuing or defending civil rights accessible through providing advice, support and practical help.
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Publication date:June 2015
Employment problems are one of the most common types of issues that people seek advice on at a citizens advice bureau. Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) has published reports showing the impact of poor employment practices, Employment Tribunal fees, non-payment of Employment Tribunal awards, and the misuse of zero hours contracts, which are causes for concern based on the negative experience of CAB clients in Scotland. This briefing was sent to all MSPs ahead of the debate on Employee Rights and Access to Justice tabled by The Cabinet Secretary for Fair Work, Skills and Training, Roseanna Cunningham.
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Implementing the Smith Agreement: Civil protections and advicePublication date:March 2015Spotlight:
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CAS responsePublication date:September 2013
Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to a consultation on the proposed merging of the Scottish Tribunals Service and the Scottish Court Service.
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Publication date:May 2013
In early 2013, the Scottish Government put the Courts Reform (Scotland) Bill out for consultation. The Bill embodies the changes envisiged in the Gill Review (2007) and includes proposals for the introduction of a new judicial tier as well as a specalist personal injury court. This is the Citizens Advice Scotland response.
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Publication date:April 2013
The Scottish Government consulted in early 2013 on the possibility of achieving better dispute resolution in housing through introducing a Housing Tribunal. The consultation sought views on the creation of such a forum and the extent to which a tribunal should have powers. This is the CAS response.
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Publication date:December 2012
Citizens Advice Scotland's response to the Scottish Court Services consultation on the future of Scotland's Court services.
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Publication date:October 2012
A briefing sent to MSPs ahead of the Stage 1 Perliamentary debate on the Scottish Civil Justice Council and Criminal Legal Assistance Bill.
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Publication date:August 2012
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) welcomes the establishment of a Scottish Civil Justice Council (SCJC) as a body ensuring the effective operation of the civil justice system.
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The CAS consultation response the the Scottish Government's proposals for a new tribunal system for ScotlandPublication date:June 2012
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) are broadly supportive of reform to the Scottish Tribunal System which incorporates and builds on the positive features of an accessible, independent, user-focused system.
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Publication date:December 2011
Citizens advice bureaux advised on 25,769 new legal issues in 2010/11; an increase of 7% on the previous year. Additionally, bureaux reported a significant increase in the assistance they are providing in benefit appeals, helping clients to complete over 12,000 welfare tribunal documents, and representing clients at 3,312 welfare tribunals(an annual increase of 58%). CAS welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the creation of a Scottish Civil Justice Council.
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Publication date:October 2011
Submission from Citizens Advice Scotland to the Justice Committee: Scrutiny of the Scottish Government's Spending Review 2011 and Draft Budget 2012-13
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Publication date:October 2010
Briefing for MSPs on The Legal Services Bill which was passed at stage 3 on October 6th 2010.
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Publication date:December 2009
Consultation response on the Legal Services (Scotland) Bill 2010.
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Publication date:July 2008
CAS response to the Scottish Government consultation on a local income tax, highlighting serious problems with the current systems.
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Publication date:April 2008
Consultation which sets out what the review considers to be the most important issues that should be examined in order to identify and assess possible options for change.
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Publication date:April 2007
Consultation response to the Commission of the European Communities green paper on the attachment of bank accounts.
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Stressed About Debt? High costs of energy, food and fuel mean that many people are finding it impossible to keep up, worrying about debt or falling behind on bills. The Citizens Advice network in Scotland is here for you, with free, confidential and impartial advice in a variety of ways.