How We Can Help You

We provide FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, IMPARTIAL AND INDEPENDENT advice and assistance on an extremely broad range of subjects including:

debt & money issues

These issues form a major part of the work of the bureau. You will normally see a general adviser initially and will be referred to a specialist money adviser if necessary. If we are to provide as much help as possible, it is vital that we have all relevant information. Before coming to see us please complete the budget sheet and/or benefits questionnaire (Click on the words in blue to open form which you can then complete and print). Please also look at the checklist and bring all relevant papers with you on your visit. It is important for you to know that your affairs will be treated in total confidence and that no-one will be contacted, or any information be given about you without first getting your permission.

welfare benefits & tax credits

These enquiries are also a significant proportion of our workload. Advisers can assist in sorting out difficulties with claims and help fill in forms. A simple benefits check will ensure that clients are aware of their full entitlement and we can also advise on benefits which can be claimed whilst working , which can help people back into the employment market.

We can also assist with overpayment problems and appeals.

employment

Employment problems often reflect deteriorating terms and conditions in the workplace. We can advise on contracts and statutory rights for employers and employees and may suggest options for action where redundancy or dismissal is threatened or has taken place.

housing, landlord & tenant issues

We advise on all aspects of housing including tenancy agreements , repairs and cases of harassment. We may be able to negotiate for clients in mortgage or rent arrears to prevent repossession or eviction, homelessness can often be prevented. We can also give advice to clients seeking a home on their housing options.

domestic violence

Clients in an abusive relationship face many problems: fear of leaving. What will happen if they do, and how to protect themselves and their children. Initially, the booklet 'Domestic Abuse - an information handbook' may provide general advice before you make contact with the appropriate agency. A 'pdf' version of the booklet may be accessed here.

consumer problems

The bureau can advise on problems with goods and services and problems with credit.

divorce & relationship problems

young peoples' rights

immigration problems

• problems about coming to the UK
• problems about remaining in the UK
• immigration status having implications for other issues e.g. claiming benefits
• someone wanting to be a British Citizen.

health matters

tax

Tax adviceincludes facts and figures about income tax and council tax, and help with forms.

How the Citizens Advice Bureau works

By talking to clients, Citizens Advice Bureaux find out where improvements could be made to national and local social policy and services. The CAB Service lobbies MPs for better legislation, whichever political party is in power. It has achieved change: helping to make basic services like water and the telephone more affordable for people on low incomes, and getting unemployed people treated more fairly by the benefits system when they lose a job. The Service also secured a change in employment law to protect people who exercise a statutory right , like requesting a pay slip, from losing their jobs. Locally, bureaux encourage councils to improve the standard letters they use, for instance on council tax and housing benefit: by providing the clearest possible information to the public, a lot of problems can be avoided. Through their national network, bureaux share examples of best practice. If we see that services or policies are failing, we take them up at local level or work with other CAB to effect change at national level. Click here for more details.

There are also many other sites that may provide you with information and help:

Click here for our links pages and for some of the leaflets issued by us.