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Citizens Advice response to Pre-budget Report

6 December 2006

Comment on Tax credits:

John Wheatley, Citizens Advice:

"The increase in the child element of child tax credits by £80 a year is welcome, but it is right that the Government recognises the need to improve its procedures for claimants. Additional money will only make a difference if there are improvements to tax credit administration. Our evidence shows that some eligible families who have had problems have been reluctant to claim what they are entitled to. "

"Making pregnant women eligible for child benefit after 29 weeks pregnancy will help towards giving children from poorer families a better start from the moment of birth."

Comment on financial inclusion measures:

Teresa Perchard, Director of Policy, Citizens Advice:

"The Government has rightly recognised that a pre-budget report has to include measures to increase financial inclusion. We're pleased with announcements of additional funding for money advice projects, and work on making credit affordable,  and capacity-building for the voluntary sector. We also welcome the announcement of £5.4 million for a new scheme for local groups to help financially excluded people. Citizens Advice Bureaux dealt with 1.4 million debt problems last year and we expect that figure to rise, so we are pleased that financial inclusion is high on the Government's agenda."

Comment on helping the vulnerable heat their homes:

Tony Herbert, Citizens Advice:

"The additional £7.5 million to improve the effectiveness of The Warm Front initiative is welcome  - we hope that this is with immediate effect in order to be of benefit to vulnerable people such as low-income families and pensioners this winter. However it may not be sufficient to help those already in difficulty because of costly fuel bills. We are however disappointed that the Government are not extending winter fuel payments as we have asked to include poor households, disabled people, chronically ill and low income families, as well as pensioners."

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.