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.
During 2006/07 we spent £2,986,000 on influencing policymakers and service providers and developing partnerships.
Citizens Advice uses evidence from clients to inform policy makers and service providers about how their policies impact on people. We received over 41,000 client case studies in 2006/07. Surveys of clients, including users of adviceguide.org.uk, and information held on our case management system help us to build up a detailed picture of the issues and concerns affecting the public.
We use this evidence to respond to Government consultations to expose inadequate or unfair laws, policies and practices, recommend improvements and campaign for change.
The Citizens Advice service makes a major contribution to Government policy-making. As the quality and analysis of information we collect about our clients improves, our input will become more relevant and timely for policy makers.
The following outlines performance against the objectives for 2006/07 as stated in the 2005/06 annual report:
During 2006/07 we:
contributed to a range of policy developments including regulation of the legal profession, financial inclusion and protection of vulnerable workers
developed new partnerships and services providing generic financial advice
launched a partnership development programme with credit unions.
gained agreement to a new service delivery partnership with the Royal British Legion
renewed our partnership with Shelter to deliver the National Homelessness Advisory service, funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government.
During 2006/07 we were unable to:
get funding to set up five new law clinics providing pro bono legal services. The project was to be run in partnership with a legal charity who were unable to prioritise this fundraising initiative this year.
Next year we will:
continue to work with partner agencies to advocate ways in which the legal aid system could be organised and delivered better so as to meet the needs of users
campaign on policy issues including post office closures, school costs, low income homeowners, and the quality of customer service provided by utility companies
work with policy makers on the implementation of the Unfair Commercial practices Directive
develop better working relationships between local bureaux and Jobcentre Plus
promote and lead the development of the work of the CAB service with migrant workers.
8.5 m: Hours of advice were provided by CAB advisers.
15,100:Advisers use our unique intranet-based information system, AdviserNet.
