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Social
Policy
Campaigning
for change
One of the aims of the
Citizens Advice service is. . .
“to
exercise a responsible influence on the development
of
local services and both a local and national level”
The Hull Citizens Advice
Bureau has always provided free, impartial, confidential and
independent advice but we also have a key role in speaking up for
clients by raising the issues brought into the
Bureau.
We have a unique insight
into problems facing the residents of Hull and can use the evidence
of our client’s experiences to talk to Government Departments,
Local Council, M.P.s and other policy makers to try and improve
laws and services that affect the lives of ordinary
people.
Whilst advice may benefit an
individual it is often more effective in the long run to help
clients by tackling the root cause of a problem. Helping people who
never set foot in the bureau but who are
suffering from the effects of
ineffective legislation or policies.
The Bureau regularly
contributes to evidence reports, responses to consultations and
parliamentary briefings on a huge range of issues by way of Bureau
Evidence Forms. These are completed by the advisers and
outline the problem facing the client. This is of course done anonymously and no
client recognition details are used.
When we collect evidence
about a particular issue it is beneficial if we are able to support
this with real life scenarios. By highlighting an issue
in the media it raises awareness of a problem which may affect may
other people.
Media willing people are
very important to the CAB as this helps demonstrate Social Policy
at work. If you see an article or a picture in the paper
quoting a client’s experience you can be assured this has only been
possible with the express permission of the
client.
Confidentiality is always
maintained.
Patricia
K Richmond
Social
Policy Officer
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