Social Policy
Campaigning for change
Social Policy identifies social injustice and is an important part of CAB work. We raise awareness of unfair laws and practices that adversely affect peoples’ lives.
How do we do this?
Citizens Advice collects evidence of CAB clients' problems and uses this to campaign for changes in national and local policies and services. We have a key role in speaking up for clients, raising issues brought into our bureaux, contributing to public debate and informing legislation. Our Social policy and campaign work covers a huge range of issues including consumer, debt, housing, benefits, immigration, employment, legal matters and health. Citizen Advice works with policymakers, regulators, MPs and service providers. Evidence reports and briefings of CAB clients' problems are regularly published and we use this to campaign for changes in policies and services. We also highlight issues with the local press to raise awareness of unfair practices, discrimination, equality and diversity.
How can Melton CAB help?
We collect local evidence on issues that affect local people. This is sent to the Social Policy team at Citizens Advice in London who collect evidence from all the bureaux around the country. This is used to lobby Government and large organisations such as utility companies. It is through our social policy work that we can try to make a difference to peoples’ lives. Here in Melton, we are currently working on a report concerning the difficulties that people are having with their energy suppliers. Many people have reported problems with unexplained large bills, debts from prepayment meters that have not been recalibrated to reflect current energy prices and direct debits that have been increased without consultation.
How can you help?
- Tell us about any unfair practices that have affected you.
- Tell us if you think you have been discriminated against.
- Tell us if you have you suffered from any injustice.
We can write a report about your problem, which is then used as evidence to campaign for change to help you and others in similar circumstances.
Current National Campaigns
Tax Credits: time for a clean slate
A campaign for writing off outstanding Tax Credit debt from 2003/04 and 2004/05.
Prescriptions reform
The Government is consulting the public on who should not have to pay for prescriptions. Citizens Advice are proposing a benefit-linked approach to exemption and we need your help.
Adding up
Schools should give high priority to cost considerations when drawing up policy on uniforms, sports kit and other specialist equipment.
Justice Denied
Every year hundreds of people win Employment Tribunals but do not receive the money awarded to them because there is no enforcement procedure. Citizens Advice is campaigning to close the loophole.
End child poverty
The government has promised to halve child poverty by 2010 and as members of the End Child Poverty coalition, Citizens Advice aims to keep them to their promise.
Post Office - have your say
This is your chance to have your say on the future of the Post Office network.
