Social Policy
Social policy is our co-equal aim. Faced with waiting rooms full of anxious, desperate clients. It can be difficult to give this equal priority. However, in many ways this aspect of our work can often help far more people and have a much greater impact. Evidence reports sent by bureau to our national organisation are used to influence legislation in order to improve the lives of thousands, not just Citizens Advice Bureau clients on an individual basis. The Office of Fair Trading, Energy watch and Department of Trade and Industry are just some of the organisations that read evidence reports relevant to their area of work.
In 2005 Citizens Advice made a super complaint to the Office of Fair Trading showing how consumers pay over the odds for payment protection insurance that they often cannot afford and cannot claim on. As a result the Office of Fair Trading is conducting a thorough investigation which could lead to better and cheaper payment protection. The complaint could not have been made without evidence reports from individual bureaux including East Staffordshire Citizens Advice Bureau.
In addition, bureau campaign on local issues. At East Staffordshire we raised concerns about consolidation loans, mis- selling of payment protection and irresponsible lending by Lloyds TSB in Burton. The issue attracted national interest and resulted in our clients being featured on a BBC programme. This led to the topic receiving nationwide attention and uncovered cases in other areas. We now understand that, as a result, lending procedures have been tightened up at Lloyds nationally and hopefully, this will result in fewer clients needing our help in this area.
Suman AntcliffeDeputy Manager |
