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.
Cost of Living Campaign
Rapid rises in the cost of living mean difficult times for a growing number of people even in prosperous areas. We want to help policymakers, organisations and residents take the right decisions.
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.
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.
Rents are unsustainable and driving an inexorable rise in homelessness
Rising rents and homelessness mean councils face budget-busting costs of statutory housing responsibilities.
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
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.
Energy bills are still the biggest worry for families and individuals
It’s already clear some households will struggle with energy bills this winter.
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.
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.
Cost of living good news (if only)
Changes in inflation and interest rates affect everyone, but low- and middle-income people most.
‘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)
People in poor health are struggling more than others with the cost of living
The cost-of-living crisis is not inflicting pain equally.
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.
Cost of living: was this the month the tide turned? Unfortunately…
Energy prices were certain to fall. They made lower general inflation inevitable.
Policy help must target low-income families but there’s increasing pain in the middle too
Evidence is mounting for more recognition of families previously thought able to manage.
Cost of living latest: is April ‘the cruellest month’?
Continuing high prices mean Spring is still on hold for the cost of living.
Cost of living campaigning at Westminster
National and Local Citizens Advice colleagues last week took their charities’ cost of living campaigning to parliament. Financial distress has grown across the country along with a frightening rise in the cost of living.
Louise Curd is Publicity and Fundraising Manager at Citizens Advice Epsom & Ewell.
Citizens Advice March briefing: 2023 could leave a real legacy of debt
Policymakers always show interest in Citizens Advice. On this occasion they found it easier than usual.
Cost of living: this crisis is far from over
Comment. The February inflation announcement apparently shocked everyone except people who buy food and drinks.
Community Foundation for Surrey grant will be ‘hugely beneficial’
The grant is already helping us provide 'critical support' for families under pressure.
Citizens Advice briefing: a new debt crisis and ‘housing emergency’
We could be facing a cost-of-living AND debt crisis. Housing including sky- rocketing rents is a critical issue.
Citizens Advice latest cost of living briefing open to all – 23 February
The focus of this month's Citizens Advice online briefing is housing. Everyone welcome.
Freeze on Local Housing Allowance could lead to new rent arrears crisis
A new blog from our Research & Campaigns Team reports evidence from Surrey Local Citizens Advice, national Citizens Advice and the respected Institute of Fiscal Studies.
Government warns energy suppliers – stop ‘mistreating’ customers
Energy suppliers told to stop forcing prepayment meters on struggling families.
Warm welcome from Rainbow Leisure Centre
Rainbow is Epsom & Ewell's latest Warm Space joining others in helping people stay warm and save on bills this winter.
‘Costly differences’ – how the cost of living is affecting people with a disability
In 2022 people with a disability were the largest group of CAEE clients needing help to sort out their benefits.
Cost of living crisis: mixed news about pensions and mortgages
We will continue do everything possible to help people in difficulty and use our data to alert ministers and the public to the need for more support.
It all adds up! Government launches energy efficiency information campaign
Echoing Tesco's long-running strapline, the campaign adds official oomph to straightforward ideas.
Support measures ‘not enough to get people through’ – Citizens Advice network
Short-term impact outstripped by combined pressures of sky-high bills and freezing weather.
Our council’s cost of living support in one place!
Really helpful from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. New webpage for anyone struggling with the cost of living.
Households need crisis support in face of ‘desperate choices’. Research & Campaigns Team.
New local and national research reveals problems facing low-income and indebted households wherever they are.
Cost of living problems: why truly independent advice is so important. Lisa Davis.
Our clients often feel the world is against them. They need to know our core values are independence and impartiality, our sole aim to help them find a way forward.
Things you may not know about us – Number 1.(2 minutes)
Banks and energy firms must recognise needs of vulnerable customers as cost of living soars
We want essential service firms to deal more responsibly with vulnerable customers. So do their regulators.
Autumn Statement: only long-term solutions will ensure no one is left behind
The chancellor listened but many will still miss out, People on average pay may not be safe.
Surrey CC adds warm hubs to cost of living directory
News of warm places on cold days where residents can spend time but not add huge amounts to their heating bills.
Our latest cost of living leaflet is a quick summary of local support
Our new leaflet will be in community places such as libraries and surgeries but it's also online here.
Energy price change means ‘huge uncertainty’ for low-income families
Citizens Advice is doubling down on its call for government action to protect families from hardship. (2 minutes)
Citizens Advice is calling on government to protect most vulnerable
We're building up our service here and helping the CA campaign to protect the vulnerable everywhere.
Charity Volunteer Fair – real interest in making a contribution
Our colleague Phil (pictured) and Karen, Advice Services Manager, took part in last week's Charity Volunteer Fair.
CAEE launches crowdfunding scheme for critical cost of living support
CAEE is pleased to be part of the Aviva Community Fund for Aviva employees and the public to donate to selected charities.
Free, quick and easy energy saving hacks
Cost of Living October Update 3. Plenty of ideas from Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice.
We’re asking the government to uprate benefits in line with inflation
A cap on the unit price of energy may not be enough for people who can't afford to top up their meters.
Struggling to pay your credit card bill? Here’s our latest advice
There are things you can do to improve things.
Action Surrey announces new energy funding to help with cost of living crisis
New help for eligible families to save money and improve the energy efficiency.
Ten ways to save money
With the cost of essentials still rising fast, Citizens Advice has pulled together a checklist of money-saving ideas.
Cost of living: we’re strengthening our personal and online advice
To meet the emergency we're building our in-person advice and providing even better information online.
Energy bills – the scale of help must match the scale of the crisis
At local and national level Citizens Advice is playing a vital part in helping families manage a frightening change in their finances.
Cost of living problems – why independent advice is so important
Anyone who asks for help in person can be sure we have no interest beyond helping them find a way forward.
Inflation in double figures – we can help when things get tough
Our advisers are helping people with support that's particularly important at the moment.
Prepayment energy with everything costing more – what if I can’t top up?
I’m really scared we’re going to be left without gas or electric if I can’t top up. What can I do?
Energy bills support information
Latest forecasts for the energy price cap are truly frightening. The support promised is welcome but more will be needed.
Cost of living crisis – Citizens Advice steps up
At national and local level Citizens Advice is improving its information about cost of living issues.
Benefit delays “hurting some of our most vulnerable and ill people”
This post is part of a Citizens Advice policy campaign on behalf of people living with disability.
Inflation at 9.4% is bad news if you’re on a low income.
One of our main jobs at Citizens Advice is to help people get the support they need, when things get difficult. Here's a quick summary of our advice services.
The cost of renting is still rising (and don’t mention affordability)
Citizens Advice helps clients face problems and organisations improve policy. Here is part of a policy campaign about housing.