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Policy

Our work with policymakers

When a client contacts a Citizens Advice Bureau, the root cause of their problem is often an unfair policy, practice or piece of legislation. Just consider the tenant facing eviction because his landlord is in mortgage arrears. Or the woman who was persuaded to take out payment protection insurance on her loan, even though the terms dictated she could never claim on it now retired.

The number of clients we work with each year makes it possible to spot trends and comment with authority on the strengths and weaknesses of different policies. In fact we see it as our responsibility.

CAB evidence and how it's used

We undertake quantitative analysis of the 7 million or so problems recorded in our client database each year. We also undertake qualitative analysis of the 50,000 problems that bureaux draw our attention to specifically. Then we act. We raise the issues with those who are causing them and suggest how they could be avoided.

As well as giving a voice to our clients, our policy work ensures that new policies are based on evidence rather than assumptions, benefitting many more people than we could ever advise one-to-one. During 2009/10 alone we improved the situation of 9 million; four times as many as we advised.

Our policy concerns

Right first time cover

Our latest policy publication:

Right first time? - an indicative study of the accuracy of ESA work capability assessment reports

Browse our concerns and publications by subject

The starting point for our policy work is often an 'evidence report'. These reports outline the problem we have identified, illustrate it with real life client examples, and set out our recommendations for change.

Our policy work is also reactive and we frequently submit consultation responses to policy makers and regulators.

Search our publications by keyword or type

If you are looking for something specific you may find it easier to search for it:

Parliamentary briefings

One of our most effective ways to influence policy is to work closely with parliamentarians. Our parliamentary briefings help MPs and Assembly Members to respond appropriately to key Bills and adopt an informed position in parliamentary debates:

Evidence journal

Evidence is a free quarterly journal which rounds up our current policy concerns. It details the client evidence that drives these concerns and sets out our ideas for solutions:

Policy spotlight

This month's policy issue:

Previous policy issues:

Stay informed

Stay informed about our policy work by signing up to receive an email alert when a new evidence report, consultation response or parliamentary briefing is published.

Evidence cycle