Research & Campaigns
Campaigns 2023-24
Our work with clients gives us a wealth of real time evidence about local problems. This enables us to spot harmful policies or practice, help organisations improve, and support campaigns to influence government. Scroll to find out more about our 2023-24 campaigns. We take the greatest care to protect client confidentiality.
Cost of Living
Inflation remains stubbornly high with living standards under continuing severe pressure. Low- and increasingly middle-income households are feeling the greatest impact. In partnership with CA network. Latest posts
Digital Exclusion
People who can’t easily use the internet for household tasks face a range of problems. In partnership with local organisations Surrey-wide. Latest posts
Housing
Many, perhaps most, of the biggest social problems are caused or made worse by barely affordable, insecure or poor quality housing. In partnership with Surrey Local Citizens Advice. Latest posts
Health and disability
In a normal year up to half of our clients are living with a long-term health condition or disability. There has been a significant rise in mental health problems. In partnership with CA network and local organisations. Latest posts
Find out more about CAEE Research and Campaigns and how to get involved at our Volunteering Page. The skills we need include local and internet-based research, data analysis and ability to hold interviews with clients and organisations.
NOTE Continuing work on two 2022-23 campaigns issues – Financial Literacy and Scams Awareness.
National campaigns
Over the years Citizens Advice has campaigned successfully on issues to improve policies and services that affect our clients. In Epsom & Ewell, we have played a full part. More about national campaigns.
Payday loans
What was the problem?
Payday loan companies were not treating their customers fairly. The payday loan industry was breaking its promise to clean up its behaviour. We called for payday lenders to be properly regulated and to stop irresponsible advertising.
What happened?
From 1 April 2014, the Financial Conduct Authority introduced tough new rules on payday lenders. More about the payday loans campaign.
Universal Credit
What was the problem?
We were concerned that low income families on universal credit were likely to see support for childcare costs decrease from a maximum of 95 per cent to 70 per cent. This would mean that most low waged parents with young children wouldn’t be better off in work.
What happened?
The Government announced it would implement one of our key recommendations to increase the support available for childcare costs from 70 per cent to 85 per cent. Read more
Employment and Support Allowance
What was the problem?
Ill and disabled people were being let down by Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – the benefit that is intended to support people while they are too ill for work. Many people were facing charges for the medical evidence they needed to support their claim, enduring poor customer service and low-quality decision making, and then being left without any financial support if they decided to challenge poor decisions made as a result of this flawed process.
What happened?
Now, if an ill or disabled person needs to apply for ESA, changes to the form they fill in and the guidance provided around medical evidence should help them get the supporting information they need – for free. The Department for Work and Pensions and a new assessment provider have committed to further training and support to improve the assessment experience and decision making, so claimants should have a better experience and more decisions should be right first time.