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Forum Home  →  Discussion  →  Access to justice and advice sector issues  →  Thread

Citizens Advice ‘eight key asks’ ahead of next year’s election

Ros
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editor, rightsnet.org.uk

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Joined: 6 June 2010

In the ‘Citizens’ Manifesto 2015’, Citizens Advice sets out the following ‘eight key asks’ which it hopes will be adopted by all political parties -

Family finances

We want the next government to support everyone who can work to do so and provide a strong safety net for those who can’t. It should:

- ensure that work always pays for parents by providing support for 90 per cent of childcare - costs and free school meals for all parents on universal credit
- improve the work capability assessment and abolish charging for medical evidence in support of claims for all disability benefits.

Fairer markets

We want the next government to show they are on the side of consumers by:

- addressing the need for more effective competition, demand reduction and support for those who cannot afford a warm home in the energy market
- introducing a universal service obligation on retail banks so everyone has access to essential banking services
- forcing retailers to provide information about customers’ rights at the point of sale so they know what to do if they buy something faulty.

Advice for the future

We want the next government to recognise the value of advice to society and:

- develop a five year strategy for the provision of advice in all communities
- invest in the Citizens Advice service to deliver an interactive, tailored advice service by telephone, online and face-to-face
- work with the Citizens Advice service to develop opportunities for volunteering which move people closer to the workplace and increase their sense of self-worth and connection with their local communities.’

http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns/the_citizens_manifesto2015.htm

Peter Turville
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Welfare rights worker - Oxford Community Work Agency

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I note CA are only calling for govt to invest in CA services, what about other advice providers, Law Centre’s etc?

benefitsadviser
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Sunderland West Advice Project

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Joined: 22 June 2010

I noticed that but didn’t want my comments to be misinterpreted and come over as saying anything negative about CAB as they do provide a much needed service.

Its a CAB report so obviously they will always look after their own interests first, but I agree Peter : there is more to advice than just CAB.

People even refer to our project as “Citizens advice” even though we have no connection with them whatsoever. The power of a brand name should never be underestimated!