The day-to-day experiences of our clients often highlight unfairness or policies and procedures that are not working.
In addition to using this unique insight to support national campaigns by Citizens Advice, we also aim to influence decision makers and help to improve policies and practice at a local level.
Over the last year our local campaign work has focused on these key areas:
Transport
Lack of affordable and reliable public transport is a huge issue for anyone trying to manage on a low income in a rural area. We regularly advise clients who are struggling to access healthcare, education or employment.
We monitor price increases and work with local transport providers to improve access to ticket information.
We continue to work with Essex County Council to make school transport information clearer and more accessible.
Benefit Uptake
There is consistent evidence that those eligible for benefits in rural areas are less likely to claim their entitlements. This may be due to:
-
difficulty accessing DWP services
-
digitalisation and centralisation of welfare support
-
inaccessible assessment centres
-
stronger culture of independence and self-reliance in rural areas
By gathering and sharing evidence of the ways in which the welfare system is not ‘fit-for-purpose’ for rural residents, we aim to bring about positive change.
Cost of Living
We collect evidence of the most pressing issues facing our clients to asses the impact of cost of living crisis on people in our area.
Digital Exclusion
With the world becoming ever more digitised, more and more services are moving online. There is a risk that people without sufficient access to the internet, whether through lack of service or lack of funds, or the skills to engage with digital content, will be left out. In some instances, this can be to the detriment of their basic and fundamental rights.
We continue to highlight the need for services to provide non-internet-based alternatives and provide evidence of the challenges faced by many as a result of the shift away from phone and face to face support.
Disability Benefit Applications
Focussing on the PIP application process, we suggested a move from a paper-based system to an electronic system – we are delighted to understand that the PIP2 form will be available electronically by the end of the year. We have also campaigned for recording devices to be allowed in medical assessments, for shorter wait times on DWP phone lines and for an improved point of contact with DWP.
You can contact us in several ways – we will respond to messages as soon as we can:
01799 618840
Online advice from
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
No phone or email? Pop in
News
Paid Role Available15/01/2025 - 10:52- Universal Credit Migration Notice27/11/2024 - 15:04
- Switching is Back!27/11/2024 - 14:54
