ABOUT US

How We Can Help

The CAB can help in the following ways:-

• Explain complicated documents that use difficult language
• Give impartial advice on your rights and responsibilities
• Negotiate with local authorities (creditors or bailiffs, for example)
• Speak and write on your behalf
• Lend a sympathetic ear

The Sort Of Problems We Can Deal With

• Benefits  e.g. If you are uncertain about which benefit you are entitled to now or in the future, or if you wish to appeal against a decision by the department of Work and Pensions.
• Consumer  e.g. your rights when you buy or sell goods.  Action you can take to get money back, goods replaced, or repaired.
• Housing  e.g. your rights and status as a tenant.  What you can do if you are homeless or in unsuitable accommodation.
• Legal  e.g. explain your legal rights, court procedures, legal documents etc.
• Relationships  e.g. your rights and responsibilities in an unmarried or married relationship, including children.
• Employment  e.g. employer and employee rights and responsibilities, including health and safety aspects, unfair dismissal, redundancy, discrimination, holidays, wages etc
• Taxes  e.g. do you pay tax on savings? Compensation, redundancy, pay etc.
• Utilities  e.g. debt management, negotiating with creditors, bankruptcy, emergency action for priority debts (council tax, utilities, rent mortgage); which could lead to imprisonment, loss of your home or disconnection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Us

What is CAB there for?

The CAB is there for any member of the public who needs free and confidential advice or information.

Does the CAB tell you what to do?

NO. The CAB will never tell you to do something.  They will only guide you.  How the problem is managed is your choice and nobody else's. The CAB will give you all the support and information you need.  This allows you to use the qualities, skills and abilities you already have to manage a problem.

What if I want my problem to remain private?

Nothing that is learned by the CAB from enquiries, including the fact of your visit, will be passed on to anyone outside the CAB, unless you give express permission.  This means a CAB worker may discuss your case with a colleague, Bureau Manager, Specialist Support but no-one outside the service.

How much will a visit to CAB cost?

NOTHING.  The CAB is a completely free service and believes that it is everyone's right to use the law and other services available to them.  These services should not depend on income.

Does the Government run the Citizens Advice Bureau?

NO.  The CAB is a completely independent service.  It accepts funding on the clear understanding that the funder cannot influence the work the CAB does.  Independence means the CAB is completely impartial.  All advice is free from political and personal bias.  This means you are free to express your concerns without fear of prejudice.

Are all clients treated the same?

No.  This is because some people may have special needs such as a physical or mental disability and require extra time and space.  Otherwise CAB has an equal opportunities policy, which means everyone regardless of race, age, sex or religion is treated the same.