The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

Every Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on trained volunteers and funds to provide these vital services for local communities.

• Our impact report

• Our service strategy 2008-2011

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Annual Report 2004 - Problem solving

Isabel You’ve been made redundant?! How are we going to pay the rent? We’re already struggling!

Richard They need to make savings. They say they’ll pay me to the end of next week. Not much for 15 years service.

Isabel Mum, I know it’s difficult for you with dad being ill. I’d love to help, but you’re 50 miles away and I can’t afford the travel. There must be someone locally who can help?

Richard I’m sure they can’t just dump me after 15 years, with no redundancy. Is that legal? We already have debts. Isabel would love to go back to work, but it’s impossible with Mali. It’s not exactly helping things between us.

Isabel Why do all the bills arrive at the same time?  Which one do I pay first?!  We’re going to have to get another credit card.  We already owe so much.

Isabel I don’t understand this form for housing benefit.  Why are benefit forms so complicated? No wonder mum had problems filling in the attendance allowance form for dad.

Isabel You’ll have to get a job soon, Richard. There must be something you can do?! The landlord rang today and said he’d throw us out if we didn’t pay. Then where will we be?

Richard I rang my old boss today. He said the company didn’t have to give me redundancy. Even something would’ve helped. I can’t believe they’ve done this to me after 15 years.

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