Two Cheers, Chancellor. Now our clients need long-term solutions
Two of our three asks got positive answers in the Autumn Statement. Good, but there's more to do.
News & Blog Posts
Are you struggling with energy bills?
Do you need advice on how to cut your bill? or get the right grants and benefits?
Are you worried about fuel costs this winter? Press release.
Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell can help
Black Friday 2023 – smaller but if anything more dangerous
Black Friday and Cyber Monday could prove even more dangerous for the unwary shopper.
Chancellor’s Autumn Statement must ‘pull all the levers to help’ families in crisis
The new Citizens Advice dataset reveals no let-up for growing numbers of clients.
Cash payments ROSE in September for the first time in a decade.
Cash makes it easier o keep track of spending - essential if you're living on a tight budget.
Chronic ill-health or disability are problems for many of our local clients
By Anna Tickle, Research & Campaigns Volunteer
Autumn Statement must index-link benefits and unfreeze housing benefit.
We're calling on government to uprate benefits in line with inflation and unfreeze Local Housing Allowance.
Energy prices are forcing people into debt with demand for advice at record levels.
In the year to March 2023 we saw fuel debt issues almost double on the previous year.
‘Experience of life and its ups and downs made me want to help.’ Shaun
Experience of life with all its ups and downs and 35 years in management. That’s my background and it’s proved a good preparation for my time as a Citizens Advice trustee.
Shaun Jones is a long-serving trustee at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 minutes)
Rents are unsustainable and driving an inexorable rise in homelessness
Rising rents and homelessness mean councils face budget-busting costs of statutory housing responsibilities.
Saluting our sisters. Lisa honours her best friend.
“Thinking of this year’s Black History Month theme, Saluting our Sisters, my reflections were very personal.” Our fourth BHM blog is an uplifting story of lifelong friendship: two women who began as competitors found unshakeable strength in sisterhood.
Lisa Davis is Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3 mins)
Learning to be tough and resilient – Samantha for Black History Month.
In a short heartfelt blog our colleague Samantha writes of her mother’s contribution to her learning to be tough and resilient. A comment from CAEE Chair follows.
Samantha is Training and Development Manager at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (3-minute read)
Missing digital skills? Local support IS available.
Not knowing how to use the internet or not having access are huge problems.
Black History Month. Maxine is inspired by a Surrey entrepreneur
“In reading about the Black History Month theme, I came across various articles about inspiring women. Thinking about ‘Saluting our Sisters’ I want to highlight the work of Lydia Amoah, an entrepreneur from Surrey.”
Project Wenceslas: enabling local people to support those struggling to pay fuel bills this winter
With energy costs still rising for many here's a way to help those in need.
Black History Month. Yandi reflects on black culture’s history and connections
“Black History Month provides an opportunity to reflect on the diverse and intricate history of black culture which has shaped our society as we see it today. But it’s also a time to celebrate the connections that unite us as a community. “
Yandi is Outreach Generalist Adviser (in training) Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell (3-minute read)
Scrapping net zero targets could cost private renters billions
Abandoning changes to EPC standards will have most impact on those already struggling.
‘Drip pricing’ is a disgraceful way to raise consumers’ costs
You’re buying a flight or cinema ticket. Right before finalising payment there's a booking fee....Arrgh
To service provider management: “We’re helping stop digital exclusion, are you?”
No firm or provider suffers from a reputation for caring.
The rising cost of high rents (it’s not all financial)
“The rising cost of high rents is damaging household finances but also health, security, family life and the economy. With the cost-of-living crisis stretching pockets, high rents going even higher can be the final straw. ”
Anna Tickle is a Research & Campaigns Volunteer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell. (4 minute read)
Why join our volunteer team? Jane’s new starter for 10!
Demand for independent advice is growing and we need to strengthen the CAEE volunteer team. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider joining us, in the community’s interest and your own.
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Our new service will tackle financial worry and stress
Citizens Advice and Mary Frances Trust link to provide new financial and wellbeing service.
Citizens Advice means community, service, support. Now they need volunteers.
“When I think of Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell three words spring to mind to illustrate the value of this wonderful organisation: community, service and support. I’m proud to support them during my year of office.” Guest Blog
Councillor Rob Geleit is Mayor of Epsom & Ewell (3 minute read)
Are financial worries affecting your wellbeing? Help for Epsom & Ewell residents.
Press Release. Citizens Advice and Mary Frances Trust offer new Financial and Wellbeing Support Service.
Our Annual Report. The case for becoming a new volunteer adviser.
Far from traditional boxes ticked the report is an inspiring prospectus.
Volunteer recruitment top of agenda at Citizens Advice AGM
Urgent call for new volunteers to extend face to face and outreach services.
Mayor endorses CAEE as the charity calls for volunteers to boost face to face service
Press Release. Urgent call for new volunteers to extend face to face and outreach services.
Fixing cost and debt worries needs more than ‘sticking-plaster solutions’
Ministers should consider more ways of regulating supply of essential home services.
Household Support Fund now helping most vulnerable
The aim is relief for families struggling to afford essentials - food, clothing, utilities, housing costs.
Understanding young people and the ‘cozzie livs’.
For over a year the ‘cost of living crisis’ has dominated in all media. It became so familiar that younger people gave it a nickname, the ‘cozzie livs’. (4-minute read)
Chloe May and Anna Tickle are Research and Campaigns Volunteers at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Our new service will tackle financial worry and stress
Introducing the Financial and Wellbeing Support Service for Epsom & Ewell and surrounding areas.
Energy bills are still the biggest worry for families and individuals
It’s already clear some households will struggle with energy bills this winter.
Join Citizens Advice as a Surrey Adviceline Adviser
Could you play a vital role in helping people find a way forward?
Growing concern about fast track to cashless society
Summer media signposts progress for campaigns to stop digital exclusion.
Help with digital skills at Epsom Library – Wednesday 6 September
Do you, or someone you know, need help getting online?
Watchdog’s new duty for banks: ensure good outcomes for customers
Good outcomes for customers – that is now the Financial Conduct Authority’s aim in regulating banks and other service providers. People should expect to be treated well.
Chloe May (pictured) and Anna Tickle are Research and Campaigns Volunteers at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Thinking about volunteering? 10 questions you might want to ask
At CAEE we depend on dedicated local people who care about their community. Their time, skills and experience are our strength. I hope my answers to these questions are helpful and encourage you to apply.
Jane Sheils is Volunteer Publicity Adviser at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell
5 things you can do to be smarter with money
Our national colleague Dominic has written a blog with 5 simple things to do (or do better!) We like it a lot.
Spreading the word about good finances
Exciting News. Town & Country Housing (Rosebery) is supporting the extension of our financial literacy project.
Private renting is becoming more difficult by the day
A call for policy change is growing louder as evidence of a worse crisis mounts.
Cost of living good news (if only)
Changes in inflation and interest rates affect everyone, but low- and middle-income people most.
How to find trustworthy debt advice: a summer campaign
How to check debt advice is trustworthy, reliable and right.
Rail leaders should think again about shutting station ticket offices
Plans to close most ticket offices: it's not hard to see why opposition has grown. Research and Campaigns team.
What we learned on our work experience week at CAEE
"The week at Citizens Advice gave me valuable skills to use in the workplace." Caitlin and Sofia.
Making sure all have online access
The digital age offers so much in education, communication, entertainment, healthcare and more. Unfortunately not everyone is included and without help their quality of life can really suffer.
Alison Kelly is a Volunteer Digital Support Officer at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Housing support for private renters isn’t working
We're asking the government to recognise the crisis facing many households in privately rented homes.
‘Home Advantage’ makes clear case for investment in energy efficiency
Why government must commit to improving the energy efficiency of the nation's homes. Research & Campaigns Team (3 minutes)
Terrace reception was the perfect way to say thanks
At CAEE we love to show our appreciation in team social events.
Could you be Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell’s new volunteer Treasurer?
Press Release. We are seeking a new treasurer who is passionate about changing things for the better in the local community.
Don’t be scammed, be suspicious. It’s #ScamAware week.
Beyond family and friends, being suspicious isn't just ok, it's essential.
Don’t be scammed, be savvy! It’s #ScamAware campaign week.
We want everyone to know what to look out for to protect themselves and loved ones
Peers call for new strategy to tackle digital exclusion
We welcome and support the Lords' call for a new strategy. Research and Campaigns Team (3 mins)
People in poor health are struggling more than others with the cost of living
The cost-of-living crisis is not inflicting pain equally.
A wonderful summer evening on the House of Commons terrace
A marvellous way to way to show appreciation to our volunteers.
Crunched, squeezed, hit for 6 – the crisis goes on
Clichés of crisis economics don’t misrepresent the feelings of many CAEE clients or millions of others.
Renters reform bill is here but will it really solve home insecurity?
Unfortunately there are already doubts about what it will achieve in practice.
Scams awareness campaign: anyone can fall victim
Our campaign, with Trading Standards and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.
Opportunity for a Specialist Benefits & Money Advice Case Worker
Help us run a new partnership project supported by National Lottery Community Fund.
Opportunity for a Specialist Benefits & Money Advice Case Worker
Help run a new partnership project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.