-
A proposal for a Regulation from the European CommissionPublication date:May 2012Citizens Advice Scotland welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation. Our response does not address every question contained in the consultation document. Rather it focuses on the aspects regarding consumer protection and whether the proposed Common European Sales Law would achieve its stated purpose with regard to consumer choice.
Spotlight: -
Personal experiences of the welfare changes introduced in April 2012Publication date:May 2012This briefing details case studies of CAB clients that are experiencing problems due to welfare changes that came into force just six weeks ago on 6 April 2012, including changes to Working and Child Tax Credits and Contribution based Employment Support Allowance being time limited to 12 months.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:May 2012This briefing for MSPs outlines the importance of ensuring that the Scottish Government’s Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill provides the citizens of Scotland with access to passported benefits when current benefits are effectively abolished and replaced in 2013 by the new Universal Credit.
Spotlight: -
CAS response to the consultation on reforming Bankruptcy law in Scotland.Publication date:May 2012The Citizens Advice Service is a key component of the debt advice landscape in Scotland, providing access to debt solutions for thousands of clients every year. Bureau advisers provide the frontline advice that enables the debt relief system to work for debtors and creditors alike.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:May 2012Case evidence from citizens advice bureaux show that many clients have been asked to pay premiums by letting agents. These charges can have a significant impact on the individual’s finances and can put their tenancy at risk.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:May 2012A submission from Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) in regards to the Scottish Government’s Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill using the ten questions posed by the Committee.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:May 2012Leaflet with information about CAB volunteering aimed at young people who are looking to gain new skills to help with work, study and the rest of life too!
Spotlight: -
Publication date:April 2012Briefing on the effects of Housing Benefit reform on the people, communities and economy of Scotland.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:April 2012In consulting with Citizens Advice Bureaux and analysing the case evidence from bureaux clients, it is clear that consumers in remote communities face many barriers.
Spotlight: -
Scottish Parliament DebatePublication date:April 2012In 2003, the Scottish Parliament passed legislation stating that everyone who is homeless will have a right to a home by 2012. In practice, this means ending the system of assessing people as 'priority' or 'non-priority' homeless and giving entitlement to permanent accommodation for all those who are unintentionally homeless. Local authorities will have a duty to house all those who are found to be homeless from January 2013 and to provide the same level of service to all homeless people.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:April 2012In 2003, the Scottish Parliament passed legislation stating that everyone who is homeless will have a right to a home by 2012. Local authorities will have a duty to house all those who are found to be homeless from January 2013 and to provide the same level of service to all homeless people. Evidence from citizens advice bureaux shows a mixed picture of progress, with some homelessness services struggling to meet the commitment alongside the effects of the recession and funding difficulties.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:April 2012A poster to be used to advertise the Patient Advice and Support Service (PASS)
Spotlight: -
Publication date:March 2012Submission from Citizens Advice Scotland to the Ministry of Justice consultation on charging fees for employment tribunals
Spotlight: -
Publication date:February 2012The recession has a created a situation in which poor employment practices are more common. Based on case evidence from citizens advice bureaux, which shows numerous examples of poor employer behaviour, this report argues that it is in the interests of both employees and good employers that a Fair Employment Commission be establised to help enforce employment rights and responsibilities.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:February 2012In January 2012 CAS coordinated a national campaign event called Big Energy Week. The aim was to encourage Scottish consumers to check their energy tariffs and their entitlement to free insulation and assistance with their energy bills.
-
the impact of the IB/ESA migration on Scotland's people, communites, and servicesPublication date:February 2012A report into the effect of the migration from Incapacity Benefit to Employment Support Allowance on Scotland's claimants
Spotlight: -
Publication date:February 2012A briefing to Scottish MPs for the Westminster Hall Debate on the ESA Work Capability Assessment, 1st February 2011.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:February 2012Submission from Citizens Advice Scotland to the UK Government Insolvency Service consultation on Bank Accounts for Bankrupts.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:February 2012The key priority areas for citizens advice bureau clients primarily relate to the work of the OFT in the consumer credit and financial products markets. This response outlines the areas of work which we would like to see the OFT continue as priorities, and highlights areas of concern for further consideration by the OFT.
Spotlight: -
Publication date:January 2012Spotlight:
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.