Public

This briefing was sent to Scottish MPs ahead of a discussion around the welfare provisions in the Scotland Bill.  

Narrowing the digital divide in Scotland is one of the most important issues faced by policymakers.  However, there citizens across Scotland who are excluded from this valuable resource and in turn excluded from the benefits access to the internet can bring.

This Briefing was sent to Scottish MPs ahead of the debate on Clause 33 of the Scotland Bill which deals with the devolution of tribunals including the Employment Tribunal and Welfare tribunals.

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.  

Ofgem asked Citizens Advice Scotland to provide them with an analysis of problems off-grid consumers experience in heating their homes. This paper provides a brief summary of some of the key issues brought to Scottish Citizens Advice bureaux by consumers of non-gas heating fuels.

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.

What's the future of local taxation in Scotland? In this consultation response, CAS uses evidence from Scotland’s citizens advice bureaux to show the aspects of local taxation that need to be improved in any new proposed system.