"This is a roadmap to the future." 📢 Watch our Senior Policy Officer, Erica Young talk to Reporting Scotland this morning about the recent review of Scotland's Adult Disability Payment (ADP). The Citizens Advice network in Scotland provides tens of thousands of people with advice and support to access ADP, as our expert advisers draw alongside people to secure the payments they need 👇
About us
The Citizens Advice network in Scotland is the largest independent advice service in the country. Citizens Advice Scotland is a charity within this network – we act as a national organisation supporting and representing the service as a whole and the interests of citizens. At the heart of the network there are 59 individual citizens advice bureau across Scotland, all operating as independent charities in their own right, which focus on providing support and advice directly to clients. Each of these organisations is a member of Citizens Advice Scotland. We believe that every citizen should have access to free, impartial and confidential advice that helps them make informed decisions, whenever they need it and however, they choose to access it. Our Vision Is for a Fairer Scotland where everyone has the advice and information they need to realise their rights, and that the barriers to accessing those rights are effectively challenged. Our Aims > We provide free, independent, impartial and confidential advice and information to ensure that people are not disadvantaged by lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, or through difficult in expressing their needs effectively. > We campaign and influence to tackle the root cause of the problems people face, and to work to strengthen their rights. Our Mission > We help people navigate systems and access their rights. > We build resilience in local communities. > We support the realisation of human rights. > We help change policies and practices to ensure they work for people. The Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux - Citizens Advice Scotland (Scottish charity SC016637)
- Website
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http://www.cas.org.uk
External link for Citizens Advice Scotland
- Industry
- Non-profit Organization Management
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Edinburgh
- Type
- Nonprofit
- Founded
- 1939
- Specialties
- Non-Profit, Advice, and Communities
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
Broadside
2 Powderhall Rd
Edinburgh, GB
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Get directions
46 Bath Street
Glasgow, Scotland, GB
Employees at Citizens Advice Scotland
Updates
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Our Senior Policy Officer, Erica Young was on Radio Scotland today talking about the recent review of Scotland's Adult Disability Payment (ADP). Here she is talking about why we want to see a more personalised approach to ADP that takes into account people's circumstances as a whole.
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Money worries can be felt by anyone, but those who face financial exclusion can suffer more than others." Read from Bupa on how financial stress adds to depression including figures from our recent report "Holding to Account" https://lnkd.in/e65crmS2
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Citizens Advice Scotland reposted this
📢 Join us for the latest episode of foreCASt: there's no place like home which will explore what it means for all of us to have a safe, secure and sustainable home. More than a year on from the Scottish Government declaring a housing emergency, we know thousands of people continue to experience homelessness, rent arrears and appalling living conditions. 👉 David Hilferty, Director of Impact will share the most up to date insight from our CAB network, focusing on what issues are causing the most harm and the solutions that we need to see – particularly in the private rented sector. 👉 Aoife Deery from our Social Justice team will dive into increases in damp, mould and disrepair advice, challenges that exist between social security and housing payments and solutions we need to see. 👉 benjamin napier, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Edinburgh will give his reflections on how these housing issues impact people in Edinburgh. 👉Alison Watson, Director of Shelter Scotland, will share her insights as someone who is committed to ensuring that lived experiences of housing failures drive Shelter Scotland’s work. Register here to join us on August 28 10-11am 👉 https://lnkd.in/eqfuMZhd
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"Across the CAB network, advisers are acutely aware that a growing number of people need in-depth, intensive and inclusive support, uniquely tailored to their circumstances." Emma Jackson wrote for Third Force News this week about our Routes Out of Crisis pilot - new model of advice for those in the most complex circumstances. Read the article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/eNgU52C4
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📢 Join us for the latest episode of foreCASt: there's no place like home which will explore what it means for all of us to have a safe, secure and sustainable home. More than a year on from the Scottish Government declaring a housing emergency, we know thousands of people continue to experience homelessness, rent arrears and appalling living conditions. 👉 David Hilferty, Director of Impact will share the most up to date insight from our CAB network, focusing on what issues are causing the most harm and the solutions that we need to see – particularly in the private rented sector. 👉 Aoife Deery from our Social Justice team will dive into increases in damp, mould and disrepair advice, challenges that exist between social security and housing payments and solutions we need to see. 👉 benjamin napier, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Edinburgh will give his reflections on how these housing issues impact people in Edinburgh. 👉Alison Watson, Director of Shelter Scotland, will share her insights as someone who is committed to ensuring that lived experiences of housing failures drive Shelter Scotland’s work. Register here to join us on August 28 10-11am 👉 https://lnkd.in/eqfuMZhd
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"Compared to pre-Covid times, there has been a 65% increase in the number of people seeking energy debt advice from CABs." Our Senior Policy Officer, Dr Matthew Lee wrote for Third Force News this week about the worrying volume of people experiencing energy debt in Scotland. Read the article here 👉 https://lnkd.in/epBrduQm
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🤝 We’re incredibly grateful to our partners at SGN for their support! 🌟 The collaboration has been invaluable in helping us keep everyone safe and warm. 📖 We’re proud to feature in their annual vulnerability report, showcasing our impact together. 👇https://lnkd.in/erZDb7nQ
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Our Director of Impact, David Hilferty, today spoke at the SGN VCMA Showcase on fuel poverty and energy affordability. He spoke about CAS's insights and data which has enabled us to develop the Safe and Warm project, to support the most vulnerable people and communities in collaboration with and funded by SGN. Our insights enable us to see who is experiencing most harm and where intervention is needed most. Energy is now the second top advice area with almost 1 in every 5 person contacting CAB receiving advice on energy.
Fuel poverty occurs when households spend a large portion of their income on fuel, leaving them unable to afford essentials or keep their homes warm. This issue is influenced by income, fuel costs and a home’s energy efficiency. The gas distribution networks’ (GDN) #fuelpoverty and #energyaffordability projects aim to help customers achieve affordable warmth by providing tailored #supportservices for those in need. To make a meaningful difference, we’ve worked with a range of partners to develop long-lasting, practical solutions for customers through a range of approaches. In the second session of today’s Vulnerability and Carbon Monoxide Allowance Showcase, we’ve heard how the GDNs have funded 12 collaborative projects focused on fuel poverty and energy affordability and supported 1.9m households across our collective network areas. We also heard from partners National Energy Action (NEA) who have delivered in-depth advice and support to thousands, unlocked over £3m in unclaimed benefits, and worked to influence national strategy, briefing government and strengthening the collective voice calling for joined-up action on health and fuel poverty. IE Hub shared how they’re providing vulnerable customers with budgeting support, income maximisation, and increasing awareness of carbon monoxide and the priority services register. They’ve already reached 1.7m customers, beating their original target, and plan to directly support over 136,000 customers by March 2026. One customer said: “IE Hub didn't just offer financial tools – it offered hope, guidance, and a clear path forward.” Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland highlighted the impact fuel poverty is having on the people they work with, highlighting the financial savings and advice they’ve been able to provide as part of their partnerships with the GDNs. Join us for the rest of today’s showcase sessions by visiting https://lnkd.in/eSe5JAvM Cadent Gas Limited | Northern Gas Networks | SGN | Wales & West Utilities | Ofgem | Kate Ravenscroft | Laura Ratcliffe | Danielle Butler | Bethanie Kennedy | David Hilferty | Colleen Pollard | Matthew Copeland
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Today Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) and the The Poverty Alliance jointly hosted a roundtable discussion with Glasgow MPs Patricia Ferguson, Martin Rhodes, and Gordon McKee, as well as representatives from MPs Maureen Burke, Zubir Ahmed, and John Grady. The event brought together staff and volunteers from Glasgow Citizens Advice Bureau and members of the Poverty Alliance for a wide-ranging conversation. The focus was on how the lived experiences of people in Glasgow can inform change in three key areas: ✔️ public services that work for everyone ✔️ a social security system that promotes dignity and supports people to thrive ✔️ fair work that provides decent pay. We welcome such opportunities to engage in conversations that ensure the realities of people’s lives are reflected in policy making. Thanks to everyone who contributed their valuable time and insight.
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