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.
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.
Two of our three asks got positive answers in the Autumn Statement. Good, but there's more to do.
The new Citizens Advice dataset reveals no let-up for growing numbers of clients.
By Anna Tickle, Research & Campaigns Volunteer
We're calling on government to uprate benefits in line with inflation and unfreeze Local Housing Allowance.
In the year to March 2023 we saw fuel debt issues almost double on the previous year.
Rising rents and homelessness mean councils face budget-busting costs of statutory housing responsibilities.
Abandoning changes to EPC standards will have most impact on those already struggling.
You’re buying a flight or cinema ticket. Right before finalising payment there's a booking fee....Arrgh
Ministers should consider more ways of regulating supply of essential home services.
The aim is relief for families struggling to afford essentials - food, clothing, utilities, housing costs.
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.
It’s already clear some households will struggle with energy bills this winter.
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.
Our national colleague Dominic has written a blog with 5 simple things to do (or do better!) We like it a lot.
Changes in inflation and interest rates affect everyone, but low- and middle-income people most.
Why government must commit to improving the energy efficiency of the nation's homes. Research & Campaigns Team (3 minutes)
The cost-of-living crisis is not inflicting pain equally.
Clichés of crisis economics don’t misrepresent the feelings of many CAEE clients or millions of others.
Energy prices were certain to fall. They made lower general inflation inevitable.
Evidence is mounting for more recognition of families previously thought able to manage.
Continuing high prices mean Spring is still on hold for the cost of living.
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.
Policymakers always show interest in Citizens Advice. On this occasion they found it easier than usual.
Comment. The February inflation announcement apparently shocked everyone except people who buy food and drinks.
The grant is already helping us provide 'critical support' for families under pressure.
We could be facing a cost-of-living AND debt crisis. Housing including sky- rocketing rents is a critical issue.
The focus of this month's Citizens Advice online briefing is housing. Everyone welcome.
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.
Energy suppliers told to stop forcing prepayment meters on struggling families.
Rainbow is Epsom & Ewell's latest Warm Space joining others in helping people stay warm and save on bills this winter.
In 2022 people with a disability were the largest group of CAEE clients needing help to sort out their benefits.
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.
Echoing Tesco's long-running strapline, the campaign adds official oomph to straightforward ideas.
Short-term impact outstripped by combined pressures of sky-high bills and freezing weather.
Really helpful from Epsom & Ewell Borough Council. New webpage for anyone struggling with the cost of living.
New local and national research reveals problems facing low-income and indebted households wherever they are.
We want essential service firms to deal more responsibly with vulnerable customers. So do their regulators.
The chancellor listened but many will still miss out, People on average pay may not be safe.
News of warm places on cold days where residents can spend time but not add huge amounts to their heating bills.
Our new leaflet will be in community places such as libraries and surgeries but it's also online here.
Citizens Advice is doubling down on its call for government action to protect families from hardship. (2 minutes)
We're building up our service here and helping the CA campaign to protect the vulnerable everywhere.
Our colleague Phil (pictured) and Karen, Advice Services Manager, took part in last week's Charity Volunteer Fair.
CAEE is pleased to be part of the Aviva Community Fund for Aviva employees and the public to donate to selected charities.
Cost of Living October Update 3. Plenty of ideas from Energy Saving Trust and Citizens Advice.
A cap on the unit price of energy may not be enough for people who can't afford to top up their meters.
There are things you can do to improve things.
New help for eligible families to save money and improve the energy efficiency.
With the cost of essentials still rising fast, Citizens Advice has pulled together a checklist of money-saving ideas.
To meet the emergency we're building our in-person advice and providing even better information online.
At local and national level Citizens Advice is playing a vital part in helping families manage a frightening change in their finances.
Anyone who asks for help in person can be sure we have no interest beyond helping them find a way forward.
Our advisers are helping people with support that's particularly important at the moment.
I’m really scared we’re going to be left without gas or electric if I can’t top up. What can I do?
Latest forecasts for the energy price cap are truly frightening. The support promised is welcome but more will be needed.
At national and local level Citizens Advice is improving its information about cost of living issues.
This post is part of a Citizens Advice policy campaign on behalf of people living with disability.
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.
Citizens Advice helps clients face problems and organisations improve policy. Here is part of a policy campaign about housing.
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