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Campaigning for Change

 
 
One of our aims as a Citizens Advice Bureau is to improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives.

We collect evidence of clients' problems and use this, in the form of anonymous case studies, 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 the bureau, contributing to public debate and informing legislation.

Our policy/campaign work covers a wide range of issues including consumer, debt, housing, benefits, immigration, employment, legal matters and health.

We are independent and impartial so policymakers listen to us.
 

Current campaigns
 
How do you access cash? 
 
Throughout February we are trying to find out how people access cash from bank, building society and post office card accounts, and how they would be affected if their bank stopped them from using other cash machines. Please complete our survey by clicking here
 
Fair Welfare campaign
 
We are working to influence welfare benefit policies so that the system is just and efficient, supporting those who need it, when they need it most.  At the moment we are concentrating on two key issues:
 
 
Housing Benefit
 
The Government is introducing a number of changes to Housing Benefit which will come into effect over the next couple of years.  The impact of these changes on young single people renting in the private sector is of particular concern.  One of the major changes is the restriction of the local housing allowance to the rate for a single room in a shared flat or house for single people under 35.  This restriction previously applied to the under 25s.  Bristol CABs Social Policy team has been doing some initial work to look at the views of younger people on housing, the current availability of affordable shared accommodation and how Bristol ‘s Housing Options and Housing Benefit Teams are preparing for these changes.  A report of this work has recently been completed.
 
 
 
Employment and Support Allowance
 
 
Last year Bristol CAB dealt with over 1,000 queries concerning this benefit. Nationally and here in Bristol we are campaigning to improve how Employment and Support Allowance works.  If any of the following apply to you, please help.
 
  • The Comprehensive Spending Review announced that from April 2012 there will be a 12-month limit on contribution-based ESA for those in the work-related activity group. If you think you may be affected by this cut, tell us your story. 
  • If you have been on another sickness or disability benefit for some time, such as Incapacity Benefit, and have been told you now need to be reassessed for ESA, have your say by keeping a diary.

  • If you have experienced any problems with ESA, or if you are worried about proposed changes to the benefit, you can help us to inform MPs by writing a letter to your MP.

For draft letters, on on-line diary and further ideas for action see http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/index/campaigns/current_campaigns/fairwelfare/cam-fw-esaactions.htm
 
 
Other ways to get involved…
You may also want to contact your local MP or councillor, yourself, about an issue that concerns you.
Find and contact your local MP by using this link - www.theyworkforyou.com
or find and contact your local councillor via www.councillor.gov.uk