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16/04/2002
Nigel Dodds urged to deliver the goods for CAB centres
A Northern Ireland assembly member has called on the Minister for Social Development, Nigel Dodds to provide more funding to further assist the work of Citizens Advice Bureau’s throughout Northern Ireland.
Billy Armstrong, Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster said that money which filters down from the Department of Social Development to local Citizen Advice Bureaux across the province is “totally inadequate” to cover the full costs of operating such advice centres.
Mr Armstrong said: “The Citizen Advice Bureau’s fulfil a vital role in society and also assist others such as District councillors and health workers whose job is to sort out the many problems which beset all of us at some time or another.
“It has come to my attention that whilst District Councils support the Citizen Advice Bureaux within the limits of their resources through the Rate Support Grant which filters down from the Department of Social Development, nonetheless the amounts involved are, in my opinion totally inadequate to cover the full complement of assistance supplied through the advice centres.
“District Council support only covers the core funding. Any specialist posts such as those which deal with debt and tribunal advocacy, are usually funded through European or Lottery money. The funding they receive is normally only for three years and so after about two years have elapsed serious concerns arise as to the workers future employment. This does not make for good continuity of service.
“Each year in Northern Ireland approximately 6,800 social security type tribunals are heard, without representation for the member of the public concerned. This is a serious state of affairs when you consider that these have a success rate of one in four whereas those cases where independent representation is available have double the success rate.”
“The work of the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux throughout Northern Ireland must be further supported and the Department of Social Development must do so by providing further resources.”
(AMcE)
Billy Armstrong, Ulster Unionist Assembly Member for Mid-Ulster said that money which filters down from the Department of Social Development to local Citizen Advice Bureaux across the province is “totally inadequate” to cover the full costs of operating such advice centres.
Mr Armstrong said: “The Citizen Advice Bureau’s fulfil a vital role in society and also assist others such as District councillors and health workers whose job is to sort out the many problems which beset all of us at some time or another.
“It has come to my attention that whilst District Councils support the Citizen Advice Bureaux within the limits of their resources through the Rate Support Grant which filters down from the Department of Social Development, nonetheless the amounts involved are, in my opinion totally inadequate to cover the full complement of assistance supplied through the advice centres.
“District Council support only covers the core funding. Any specialist posts such as those which deal with debt and tribunal advocacy, are usually funded through European or Lottery money. The funding they receive is normally only for three years and so after about two years have elapsed serious concerns arise as to the workers future employment. This does not make for good continuity of service.
“Each year in Northern Ireland approximately 6,800 social security type tribunals are heard, without representation for the member of the public concerned. This is a serious state of affairs when you consider that these have a success rate of one in four whereas those cases where independent representation is available have double the success rate.”
“The work of the Citizens’ Advice Bureaux throughout Northern Ireland must be further supported and the Department of Social Development must do so by providing further resources.”
(AMcE)
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17 July 2006
Citizens Advice to provide debt guidance
Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland has been awarded a debt advice contract by the government. Minister Maria Eagle said: "Debt in Northern Ireland is having an adverse economic, social and personal impact on the lives of many people here. This new debt advice contract will help clients to regain control of their financial affairs.
Citizens Advice to provide debt guidance
Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland has been awarded a debt advice contract by the government. Minister Maria Eagle said: "Debt in Northern Ireland is having an adverse economic, social and personal impact on the lives of many people here. This new debt advice contract will help clients to regain control of their financial affairs.
14 November 2002
‘Spend wisely’ advice for a debt-free Christmas
With the Christmas decorations already going up on the streets throughout the Province concerns have turned again to the problem of debt at Christmas. The Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux have highlighted the problem with the relaunch of a leaflet called ‘How to keep out of Debt this Christmas’.
‘Spend wisely’ advice for a debt-free Christmas
With the Christmas decorations already going up on the streets throughout the Province concerns have turned again to the problem of debt at Christmas. The Social Security Agency and the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux have highlighted the problem with the relaunch of a leaflet called ‘How to keep out of Debt this Christmas’.
21 February 2005
Errors in tax credit payments ‘a national scandal’
The scale of overpayment of tax credit as a result of continuing errors by the Inland Revenue is widespread and leading to real human suffering, a leading member of an independent advice network has said.
Errors in tax credit payments ‘a national scandal’
The scale of overpayment of tax credit as a result of continuing errors by the Inland Revenue is widespread and leading to real human suffering, a leading member of an independent advice network has said.
01 July 2003
Minister unveils twenty-year health strategy
Health Minister Angela Smith has unveiled plans for a new twenty-year Regional Strategy for Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland. The Minister announced the plans during a major conference on ‘Future Trends and Challenges in Health and Social Care’ yesterday.
Minister unveils twenty-year health strategy
Health Minister Angela Smith has unveiled plans for a new twenty-year Regional Strategy for Health and Wellbeing in Northern Ireland. The Minister announced the plans during a major conference on ‘Future Trends and Challenges in Health and Social Care’ yesterday.
20 June 2001
UP NORTH DOWN SOUTH
A REPORT published this week by the Northern Ireland Citizen Advice Bureau and its southern equivalent Comhairle aims to provide information and advice for those working and commuting across borders in the island of Ireland.
UP NORTH DOWN SOUTH
A REPORT published this week by the Northern Ireland Citizen Advice Bureau and its southern equivalent Comhairle aims to provide information and advice for those working and commuting across borders in the island of Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
