Publications

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.

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is conducting an inquiry into the energy industry. The CMA published its provisional findings and a set of provisional remedies in July 2015.

CAS responds to the Scottish Governments consultation on reservoir regulations.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) is seeking tenders from potential research suppliers to undertake research into the poverty premium and the consumer behaviour of low-income households in Scotland. 

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.

Costs for burials and cremations have increased in Scotland in 2015 while more people seek advice from their local CAB than ever before about paying for funerals.

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. 

Citizens Advice Scotland welcomes measures to ensure the sustainable use of Scotland’s water resources. We believe that effective partnership working between land owners and public bodies will offer better protection for communities at risk of flooding, and would encourage the provision of accessible and clear information on measures that protect and / or benefit households and businesses.

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) is a member of the Scottish Government's Regulation of Energy Efficiency in the Private Sector (REEPS) working group. This is a stakeholder advisory group drafting regulations for consultation that will help the Scottish Government improve the energy efficiency of Scotland’s existing private sector housing stock. To support this work CAS commissioned independent research that could help the working group better understand homeowners’ and private rented tenants’ attitudes and awareness of energy efficiency measures, including the potential barriers to taking action and consumers’ likely response to any future regulation. The full research report is available separately. 

This accompanying evidence review complements the commissioned research by summarising the key findings from four focus groups, and brings these findings together with additional evidence collected by the Scottish Citizens Advice service. These further insights have helped identify the everyday realities for many Scottish households unable to adequately heat their homes or who live in poor quality housing, which can often lead to preventable health problems.