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Response to Queen's speech

18 November 2009

Citizens Advice’s Head of Press & Public Affairs, John Ludlow said:

‘We are pleased to see that both the Equality Bill and the Child Poverty Bill are to be carried over into the new session. They contain important protections for vulnerable people, and it is hoped that they will reach the statute book before the Election.   

Of the new measures announced, we warmly welcome the establishment of a Consumer Education Authority contained in the Financial Services Bill. The new Authority will oversee the roll-out of the National Money Guidance Service, which will make general financial advice available to all, free of charge.

We look forward to seeing fuller details of this Bill, which will also include the banning of unsolicited credit card cheques, when it is published shortly.

We also interested in seeing more details of the Social Care Bill, which aims to introduce free domiciliary care for the most needy. We are concerned about how the scheme will be funded, and how it will impact on those who are already being cared for by friends or family’.

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality. For online advice and information see New windowwww.adviceguide.org.uk
  3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 7.1 million problems from April 2010 to March 2011. For full 2010/2011 service statistics see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk/press_statistics
  4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable. (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
  5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,300 service outlets across England and Wales.