Evidence journal

Published quarterly by Citizens Advice, our Evidence journal aims to highlight a range of current policy concerns of the Citizens Advice service. It details the CAB client evidence that drives our concerns and our ideas for solutions. Our policy interests are as broad in scope as the advice that bureaux give - consumer rights, debt and financial exclusion, access to justice, welfare benefits, employment, immigration, health and housing. Readers of Evidence will find all these issues covered and more.

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Evidence journal spring 2012

Falling short - Anne Pardoe makes the case for abolishing the standard interest rate used to calculate support for mortgage interest (SMI)

The Government and pensions: Is the honeymoon over? - Alan Barton considers whether the welfare reforms signal an end to the Government's honeymoon with pensioners

To fee or not to fee, that is the question - In December 2011, the Ministry of Justice issued a consultation paper setting out its proposals for charging fees in the employment tribunal system, Richard Dunstan outlines our response

Continuous payment misery? - Alex MacDermott looks at how consumers affected by the misuse of continuous payment authorities and what they can do to put things right

Too poor to go bankrupt - Sue Edwards examines the implications on the poorest people of the Insolvency Service's decision to reform the bankruptcy petition process

Family Justice update - James Sandbach discusses the impact of the Family Justice Review on advice services.

Evidence journal winter 2011

Is the civil sanctions pilot ready for takeoff? - Susan Marks urges the Government to pilot new powers for the OFT and trading standard to tackle unfair trading.

Legal aid - the battle continues - James Sandbach examines the success of campaigning to influence Government plans to reduce the scope of civil legal aid.

A charter for rogues? - Richard Dunstan questions the basis of proposed reforms to employment law.

Bailiff reform: Going nowhere slowly? - Peter Tutton asks why the Government has done little so far to tackle "agressive bailiffs".

Back to the poll tax? - Geoff Fimister looks at the Government's proposals to localise, cut and cash-limit council tax benefit.

Barriers to independence? - Sue Royston explores the impact of welfare reform on disabled people.

Evidence journal autumn 2011

Making payments fit for all - After the recent peprieve for cheques, Cathy Finnegan inisists on the importance of inclusive payment methods.

Peer pressure - As the Welfare Reform Bill passes through the House of Lords, Lizzie Iron reviews progress to date.

Universal Credit, universal heath? - Christie Silk argues that the introduction of Universal Credit is an opportunity to improve the way that support for health costs is provided for people on low incomes.

At the Crossroads, what next for Gypsies and Travellers? - Gerard Crofton-Martin describes the common problems faced by Gypsy and Traveller communities.

Can self-regulation deliver? - Susan Marks discusses the effectiveness of self-regulation in consumer protection, and argues for a single approved scheme.

Wet, wet, wet - Alex MacDermott examines water companies' approaches to debt, and how they affect consumers and advice providers.

Evidence journal summer 2011

Deal or no deal - Cathy Finnegan argues that energy companies should not be able to disconnect customers for non-payment of repayments to fund energy efficiency measures.

It's the system, stupid - Alex MacDermott considers whether vulnerable debtors can be empowered and enabled by better debt collection practices.

Tax credits - a time to renew - Christie Silk examines why hundreds of thousands of families face overpayments each year for failing to renew their tax credit.

Back to the poor law? - Alan Barton examines the Government's proposals to abolish the Social Fund.

Hollow demands - Richard Dunstan reports on redevelopments since the publication of our December 2010 report Uncivil recovery.

The rehabilitation revolution - will it work? - James Sandbach examines proposals to tackle reoffending.

Citizens Advice

Evidence journal