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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:44:03 GMT 1
Many of you fighting these reforms will have been asked, particularly by MP's, for some case studies of people who've been helped by advice agencies, law centres and CAB's.
Since Mylegal was started we put out a call for as many of these as we could get. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who contributed. There are around 80 odd posts (to date 28/5/2011) for you to pick and chose from. They are still individually posted as they were by contributors, but this thread puts them all in one place.
Some posts will detail more than one case.
There's a range from examples of everyday referrals which show what's general advice and which are specialist; there are also some which have been kindly provided by clients - their contribution is greatly appreciated. Examples of cost savings are given to illustrate the very good value which legal aid provides.
,
I'm working on a quick link and categorization so if you're looking for something it should be easier to locate it; - it's often a problem finding the right one when you need it.
We could still do with some more, they're immensely important and despite an imminent announcement from the Legal Aid minister, these reforms still have a fair way to go before they become implemented as legislation; - so please keep posting!!
It would be good if you could post them on this thread from now on because it makes them easier to link to some kind of index - benefits - debt - housing - mental health - immigration - family and so forth.
Particular thanks go to all contributors...
KBricknell for posting an unbelievable amount!!
Crudebeck
Rochdale Law Centre
Hgseven
Isthisaman
Baldrick
Spongebob
Wembred 11
Wavebreak
Linda K8
Vivo
And of course to Patrick, oh and I'd better give myself a pat on the back too!!
Plus our immense thanks go to all the clients who allowed their stories to be used in helping us fight these reforms on their behalf.
But there's plenty of room for a few more.
If we took say 80 of these posts as cases at an average of between the fixed fee of £167 for a benefit case and £200 for a debt case we'd be looking at say £183.50 per case. Assuming there's one case per post (there's more but for argument's sake it'll do) the collective cost to the State comes to just £14,860 for all the work done in all of these posts, now I'd call that pretty good value wouldn't you?
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:47:15 GMT 1
A heart attack saved me « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 4:38pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another story from someone who received Legal Aid through Bolton CAB, unfortunately these type of experiences seem to be on the rise: "After a bereavement and losing my job I had a breakdown. My credit card company would not uphold the sickness insurance I had with them and other debts soon became a problem. Finance companies, utility companies including benefit agencies were riding roughshod over me at a very vulnerable stage of my life. Bolton CAB were able to reassure me and deal with my problems in a logical way. Personally it was impossible to make the payments that were being demanded and it had brought me to the verge of suicide. They saved my life with their help and advice. There was no other help that I could find, the answer I kept getting was because I had succumbed to substance abuse there was no help. The heart attack I had put me on the right road to CAB." « Last Edit: Feb 27, 2011, 1:50am by nickd » Report to Mod - Link to Post - Back to Top Logged nickd MyLegal Team member is online Joined: Dec 2010 Gender: Male Posts: 260 Re: A heart attack saved me « Reply #1 on Feb 27, 2011, 2:01am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The above account is a mere snap shot of what probably happened in this case, the most poignant comment is the one made by the client ' the heart attack I had put me on the right road to CAB'. I'd guess (perhaps you could tell us more Kbricknell?) that this was a story of empowerment - where the client, whatever his or her background, was at least helped to see the road ahead and then with the appropriate help - start his or her journey to a recovery. The worrying aspect we have here is how many more people will fall victim to conditions such as heart attacks, often triggered by stress - my guess they'll be quite a few. Government would do well to remember what a drain such conditions are on our hard pressed NHS. Citizens Advice are saying for every £1 spent on advice like this, many more are saved. That's £££££££££'s towards deficit reduction, can't you see that you politicians? « Last Edit: Feb 27, 2011, 2:02am by nickd » Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=227#ixzz1NgLz7b3r |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:49:21 GMT 1
So many people will be affected by cuts « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 5:06pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here's what one of Bolton CAB's many clients had to say of the help she was given, it's illustrative of the fear clients will have - if trusted community based advice agencies become a thing of the past. This is what Mrs A says......... "They have helped me with different problems. They helped me with water bills which I was worried about day and night. Since I saw them the water company do not disturb me like before and I am now paying as much as I can. If I had not seen them I would never have sorted it out because I could not pay such an amount of money. I only ever got help from them. If the government stops helping people like me then there will be a lot of people affected. I hope they can continue to help people" « Last Edit: Feb 27, 2011, 1:45am by nickd » Report to Mod - Link to Post - Back to Top Logged nickd MyLegal Team member is online Joined: Dec 2010 Gender: Male Posts: 261 Re: So many people will be affected by cuts « Reply #1 on Feb 27, 2011, 1:38am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to Mylegal Kbricknell, you've got off to a flying start with posting so many accounts of how Bolton help so many people - good stuff! « Last Edit: Feb 27, 2011, 1:39am by nickd » Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=230#ixzz1NgMndTSM |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:50:44 GMT 1
Legal Aid cuts cost Government more! « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 5:22pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here, another client of ours - 'Mrs T' voices her own concerns over the cost and consequences of Legal Aid cuts, here's what she says in her own words: "I have been to CAB quite a few times over the years. I have always found the staff at CAB very helpful with full knowledge of any situation. My last visit was to once again try to get Disability Living Allowance. I have severe osteoarthritis and could hardly walk. I was in extreme pain and was on 2 crutches, it was costing an absolute fortune in taxis. I spoke to one of their Advisors and we filled the forms in together. I was this time awarded Disability Living Allowance thanks to the advisor and CAB. I have also, in the past, found myself in debt and once again they took over and sorted it all out for me. I am now straight again and can sleep at nights. If I had not received help from CAB I would definitely have finished up in hospital with a nervous breakdown, that is no lie, I was at breaking point with both of the above issues. I wouldn't say suicidal but very very close. I think the government are barking up the wrong tree. With all these cuts people will need more help not less. If there is nowhere to go for help like CAB people will become ill and need hospitals which will cost the NHS more and more problems. They are hitting the vulnerable at a great cost. Typical conservative government." « Last Edit: Mar 2, 2011, 3:13pm by kbricknell » Report to Mod - Link to Post - Back to Top Logged nickd MyLegal Team member is online Joined: Dec 2010 Gender: Male Posts: 262 Re: Legal Aid cuts cost government more! l « Reply #1 on Feb 26, 2011, 11:38pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It's a valid observation you make Kbricknell over the broader saving to the state. In the above example the costs of an appeal were avoided as the claim was allowed from the outset. Specialist help provides the client with skilled knowledge of what to include in and with the form - a proper application helps the decision maker make the right decision. These claim forms are far from straightforward, the questions may appear simple enough in places; but the skill is in probing the extent and variability of the client's mobility restriction and the need of help with personal care. It requires a proper knowledge of the legislation and case law to help the client highlight areas they normally wouldn't think of as relevant. Equally, if the above client had not met the conditions for a successful claim, this would have been explained to them, resulting in a claim which the client decides not to further - avoiding all the costs associated with progressing it. Your client also highlights the accompanying stress, it's a condition which can take up a lot of time and expense of the health authorities, not to mention how it can exacerbate other conditions; thus prolonging recovery time. Clients suffer from stress for all sorts of reasons, that they are able to seek professional help from proper advice agencies does a great deal to lessen the load by reducing stress. The accompanying advice would no doubt have included a check on whether the client was getting the right amount, advice on getting other benefits such as carer's allowance; as well as the usual holistic probing of other issues - such as debt & housing - the cost of leaving these unearthed is always greater in the long run. Not to mention other advice on the the effects on other benefits, reducing utility costs by making effective representations to suppliers and perhaps advice on free road tax exemption and the client's possible entitlement to a vehicle from the Motability scheme. Government has said nothing over how people remain in work by servicing the Disability industry, or how disabled clients put more back into the community as a result of their lawful enhancement in income in recognition of their severe conditions. Research conducted by Citizens Advice has shown that for every £1 spent on Welfare Benefits advice, the state is saved £8.80. When you think about it, it's not hard to see why. The popularity of Government includes genuinely disabled people like Mrs T, they have the absolute right to voice their discontent at the way they feel about the way they are being treated. Politicians should remember this, disabled people will not vote for those they feel badly treated by. Nor will other people like to see people like Mrs T get a raw deal, they too can tell government what they think come polling day. Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=231#ixzz1NgNE7dOO |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:51:59 GMT 1
Saying NO to CAB closures « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 4:50pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A previous client of Bolton CAB tells of his actions to oppose the impending Government Legal Aid cuts: "I had a problem with debt which CAB has helped me with. I am going to see my local MP regarding the issue of CAB closing and how important CAB are to me and my family and everybody who go to them for advice. I will be seeing my MP on 18.2.2011. I would have gone in to more debt and had even more problems without their help and quick actions." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=229#ixzz1NgNVjrEi |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:53:09 GMT 1
"It's nice to know CAB are there for you" « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 4:41pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miss D was unable to find a way through the multitude of forms she needed to fill out and submit for her benefit entitlements. "I've never seen so many forms, I wouldn't have been able to do it myself." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=228#ixzz1NgNpN8od |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:54:25 GMT 1
Debt probems sorted « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 4:18pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miss K came to Bolton CAB with "terrible debt problems with a number of debtors. The CAB relaxed and assured me. They dealt with each debtor and arranged for me to pay each one a set amount each month which I am doing. Where would I have gone if CAB had not been able to help? I don't know, I probably would have had a breakdown, I don't know anyone else that could have helped me." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=226#ixzz1NgO9qEAm |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:55:27 GMT 1
Free advice when times are hard « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 4:15pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs P talks of the free advice at CAB "I have been struggling with debt for several years and the constant harassment from creditors was making me ill with the stress and the demands. In the past Bolton CAB had helped me get some of the debts set aside. I could have gone to a debt management company but they would have charged me and that would have been yet another bill to pay." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=225#ixzz1NgOQJMPP |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:56:38 GMT 1
A louder voice « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 4:03pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- With Bolton CAB's guidance this gentleman was able to get back on track with his bills "I was high in debt with an electricity bill. I was advised to join First Step Scheme where if I paid £75 for a certain period (10 months) I would be rewarded as I was still using electricity. I got £120 credit at the end of that period and the supplier reduced my monthly payment to £26.00 per month. When the Social Security took me off the sick and refused to give me any money Bolton CAB talked to them on my behalf and I was given Income Support. If I had not received this help I would have had no electricity as I had no money. I would not have been able to pay my bills and buy food as well. There was no where else I could have received this help, come offices like the DSS do not seem to measure the consequences of being homeless, hungry etc". Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=224#ixzz1NgOgm7MO |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:57:41 GMT 1
Benefits advice gave my family more freedom « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 3:53pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ms C from Bolton says - "I have attended Bolton CAB on numerous occasions. They have helped me with debt issues and benefit entitlements for my autistic son. If it wasn't for Bolton CAB I would have had court problems regarding my debts and unaware of my entitlement to benefits as a carer. Now, because of the extra money I am free to take my son out to so many more places. I don't know of anywhere else where someone will sit with me and listen to all my problems and put my mind at rest. i don't know what I would have done without their help over the years, I can't thank them enough." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=223#ixzz1NgOyghEE |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:58:36 GMT 1
Success after three failed DLA claims « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 3:25pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a story from another person who desperately needed some help with their benefits, Mr N says - "The Citizens Advice Bureau helped me get my Disability Living Allowance award after I had tried three times myself and been refused when I clearly needed help. I didn't know how or what to do and they helped me fill out and present my forms. If they had not helped me my illness and disability would have got worse and i may not be alive today. I was in a bad situation, so bad that some time ago I attempted to end my life as I was dependent on people helping me to do things which other people could do easily but I could not even attempt to do." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=222#ixzz1NgPDJY6Q |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 21:59:23 GMT 1
CAB were there for me « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 11:15am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr C came to Bolton CAB for help with his benefits. Their advisors were able to ensure that he received what he was entitled to which was a higher rate of Disability Living Allowance. They also referred their client for a community care assessment which enabled Mr C to continue living is his own home with the support of his son and neighbours - "I had considered asking my sister to help me as she works in the Council but in the end CAB were there for me. They helped me get the correct payments for my illness and I don't think I would have got the benefits I was entitled to if it wasn't for them, thank you so much." Report to Mod - Link to Post - Back to Top Logged Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=220#ixzz1NgPOOBw3 |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:00:17 GMT 1
A guiding hand « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:57am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Miss S says "I wouldn't know where else I could have gone for help with my debt. Due to my own mental health issues I could have made the situation worse and I could have got into even more debt. Bolton CAB were there to guide me in the right direction and sort my money problems out." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=219#ixzz1NgPdTOQu |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:01:15 GMT 1
No one else offers this wonderful service « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:54am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Another client of Bolton CAB tells her story - "I had a problem with EON and one of the debt advisors was really helpful in sorting out my problem. I also received exceptionally brilliant help in helping me get the correct benefits I was entitled to. I would probably of lost my home if the Citizens Advice Bureau had not offered their services, they picked me up when I was at an all time low. No one can offer this support and help, CAB offered me a wonderful service, many thanks" Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=218#ixzz1NgPsAjpt |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:09:30 GMT 1
Old debts come back to bite « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:46am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr G from Bolton says: "In mid 2010 I received a phone call from a debt agency about a loan I still owed on but which I could not remember about as it was from 1993. They would not offer any information on the loan without further payment so I went to the Citizens Advice Bureau and they of course sorted it all out. I think I would have been hounded by this firm but have no idea what the outcome would have been, it does not bear thinking about and I don't think I would have received help from anywhere else." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=217#ixzz1NgRwrvM2 |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:10:24 GMT 1
No better service « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:37am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr B received help from Bolton CAB for his debts and he says of the service: "I think it is an awful shame that the government want to cut the services provided by CAB in Bolton. These people have helped so many people like myself in solving their debt problems. These are fantastic people doing a very good job. The Government should think again in what they are doing, there are other ways to cut back. If I had not received help from Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau I would not have been able to pay my non priority debts. They have helped me greatly, I couldn't sleep at night, thanks to CAB they put a stop to that. There is no better than CAB in Bolton, they are so understanding and great people" Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=216#ixzz1NgSBzRAN |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:11:34 GMT 1
Thank you Bolton CAB! « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:29am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr G sent CAB his message of gratitude: "I was in the centre on Tues 22nd February and with the help of one of your advisors I managed to secure a regular benefit payment payed in that afternoon. It is ongoing for the period 2nd Feb to 26 April at which time I should be fit to look for employment. I would like to thank everybody at Bolton for their help, without which, I and many others would be lost." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=215#ixzz1NgST01jQ |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:12:40 GMT 1
"Thank you for giving my life back" « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:20am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs M visited Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau two years ago and says: "I was at my wits end, couldn't sleep, eat, I was so depressed. I was ashamed, I couldn't tell my family. I was 65 years old and I just could not cope. I went into the bank to tell them again how I could not afford on my pension to make the payments they said I had to make. They advised me to go to the Citizens Advice Bureau and I did right away. They made me an appointment to see an advisor. Oh my God the relief was wonderful, all the worry gone, they went through everything with me and worked out a plan. Now, I am 67 years old and in control of my money. I had really thought of taking some sleeping pills, I just could not cope with the phone calls and letters. I couldn't even answer my door, I used to pretend to be out and sit in the dark. Thank you for giving me back my life, I don't know where else I could have received help like that" Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=214#ixzz1NgSjpgde |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:14:00 GMT 1
Fighting our corner « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 10:11am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr S told us of his concerns about the proposed cuts to Legal Aid and has also shared them with his MP and Bolton Council. "While under Bolton Mental Health Team for high level of depression and low mood I had reason to come to Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau for benefits and debt and they were such a help the Bureau will never know. If it wasn't for their help at that time, I may not be here today. I believed and trusted the work of the Bureau and will again should the need arise." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=213#ixzz1NgT4V6Ul |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:14:51 GMT 1
CAB helped me evict vandals « Thread Started on Feb 25, 2011, 9:59am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs O moved to Bolton in 2007 and had two years of trouble with vandals and no help from the police. With the advice she obtained from the Citizens Advice Bureau it was possible for her to have a camera installed and the vandals evicted, she says: "over the years I received invaluable advise from the Citizens Advice Bureau on various issues. Now, being a disabled, housebound pensioner unable to afford to consult a solicitor, life would be very difficult. Many unemployed citizens would suffer as benefits scarely cover food and essentials. I object very strongly to these cuts." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=212#ixzz1NgTJb7BZ |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:15:42 GMT 1
Viva la C.A.B. « Thread Started on Feb 15, 2011, 12:48pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr H shares his story "Two years ago I had some issues arising from my occupancy of my flat. I've been renting the flat for over 14 years but my landlord wanted to sell his shop below and my flat above as a job lot. Not knowing my legal position in this matter I was able to get very useful information from a legal represenative who was affiliated to Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau and consequently set my mind at rest. Without the Citizens Advice Bureau's help I could have been on the streets by now and at the age of 63 this would not have been conducive to good health. Viva la C.A.B.! Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=195#ixzz1NgTWIuNR |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:16:27 GMT 1
Mr L expressed his gratitude for the recent help he received from Bolton CAB: "I have needed their help on a couple of times for debt, medical issues and benefits. I have depression and find it difficult to deal with these things. My debts were going up and my benefits had stopped. I was very close to taking my own life because I couldn't see any other way, but now I have seen CAB they have helped me with some of these issues. I don't know of anywhere else I could have gone for help other than to go to my GP for my depression." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=193#ixzz1NgTgxtcd |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:17:21 GMT 1
Securing Benefit entitlements helped so much « Thread Started on Feb 14, 2011, 3:06pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This lady received help from a Welfare Benefits advisor at Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau and her response has been: "Citizens Advice Bureau helped me to get my Tax Credits for my son who is at college as I didn't know I was still entitled. If I hadn't received this help I would have lost my Tax Credits as I would not have known I was still able to receive it. I don't know where else I could have got this help and I am very thankful to Citizens Advice Bureau as I was struggling without these payments" Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=192#ixzz1NgTuMCKQ |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:18:22 GMT 1
CAB advice so helpful « Thread Started on Feb 14, 2011, 3:00pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This gentleman from Bolton has received help from CAB for himself and his son who has a learning difficulty: "I am 85 years old, I don't go out as I am not in good health. My son cannot read or write but every time he has been to the Citizens Advice Bureau he has told me how helpful they have been to him and I, myself, have written to you many times and you do your best to help me and I thank you for that, what would I have done I don't know, you have been great." Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=191#ixzz1NgUBaKRr |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:19:30 GMT 1
Legal Aid life line secures benefit appeal « Thread Started on Feb 14, 2011, 10:31am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A recent client of Bolton CAB had made an application for Disability Living Allowance which had been refused. Her case went to appeal and with CAB's help the appeal was overturned and her benefit entitlements were awarded. "I dread to think of not having the support, advice and their knowledge of form filling of which I am grateful. Myself and no doubt thousands of people in need of the Citizens Advice Bureau would have a hard time trying to find support, empathy and the right advice anywhere else unless having such sums of monies for solicitors" This lady has gone further to make her concerns public and wrote to her MP, she writes: "Dear Sirs, Once again the silent people of this land (low paid, fixed incomes etc) are to take another swipe from the government axe. I am referring to the life line called Legal Aid as is secured for all individuals in need of the Citizens Advice Bureau. The Citizens Advice Bureau is an institution for all who cannot afford any of the Law Society brethren on an hourly fee. Once again those elected to protect all in our society show scant interest in the lower social scale. When you read of huge bonuses taken as a right even though high salaries are paid for doing a job, the word unfair does not cover it. I do wonder where it will all end. We must not have the Citizens Advice Bureau stripped of its legal funding for the sake of many, many people who need the security of knowing it is there for them." « Last Edit: Feb 14, 2011, 10:33am by kbricknell » Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=190#ixzz1NgUU4tiA |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:22:03 GMT 1
After providing free, independent legal advice to one of the nation's poorest areas for 20 years, Rochdale Law Centre is now facing an uncertain future.
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:23:52 GMT 1
Specialist Professional Advice and Support « Thread Started on Feb 9, 2011, 5:22pm » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- When somebody finds themselves in a situation where they need to find out what options are available to them or what benefits they may be entitled to they need advice from a suitable source. What do you do when that source is complex, unhelpful and causes more uncertainty? At the age of 45 I experienced a mental breakdown. I had been signed off indefinitely by my GP and was struggling to come to terms with the fact that for the first time in my life I wasn’t able to earn a living to support myself and my 16 year-old son who was in the middle of his GCSEs. I was naturally also worried about how I would be able to pay my mortgage and associated unavoidable expenditure. I consider myself a reasonably intelligent and educated woman – I’d brought up two children largely alone – had recently achieved a post-graduate qualification and was normally perfectly capable of communicating with the people necessary to assist me in any situation, and of completing application forms. Regrettably my capabilities were no match for the impenetrable wall of bureaucracy that was the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). There is little point in my describing each point of detail since this post would prove far too long to sustain focus. In summary I found the ‘help and advice’ lines were manned by mainly unsympathetic operatives who were unable to relate to my individual case. It appeared that they were trained to answer queries that conformed to a flow-chart technique and if they didn’t understand where my specific query belonged they would either refer me to another number or suggest I wrote a letter. The amount of forms and information I supplied would prove daunting to the most experienced administrator – I know this because I am one. After several weeks of going around in circles with no continuity of advice I eventually lost my control and sobbed on the telephone in frustration at the lack of support and helpful guidance – this did result in my case being assigned a direct telephone number and a named contact but by the time this happened I had been considerably affected by the experience and was by now seriously concerned about my mortgage arrears. I wasn’t in a financial position to consider being able to pay for legal assistance and it was suggested that I should contact the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB). I had no previous experience of their work and given my experiences thus far I confess my expectations weren’t high. To this day I will be eternally grateful for their specialist help and for restoring my faith in human kindness. From the first interview I was greatly encouraged by the genuine understanding of my situation but this alone would merely have provided the ‘tea and sympathy’ approach - which was what I probably expected. The reality meant the advisor actually listened to my case details, made detailed notes, went through every aspect of my situation and from that point on provided support and guidance through to my eventual return to work. Without their proven expertise and professional guidance I know that I wouldn’t have been in a position to return to work relatively intact despite the best efforts of a poorly-designed, confusing benefits system. I understand that the new government are suggesting that the advice given by the CAB is ‘basic and mechanical’ – I suggest they haven’t done their research – removing funding for this vital, human support system would be inhuman. « Last Edit: Feb 10, 2011, 2:32pm by Patrick » Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=178#ixzz1NgVRO1JH |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:24:59 GMT 1
CAB needs more funding not cuts « Thread Started on Feb 9, 2011, 10:43am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mrs D needed help with a business debt and having felt like she had been "bullied" by her solicitor into "paying up" she came to Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau in the hope that they could help her pay back the debt in an affordable way. "I cannot speak more highly of the Citizens Advice Bureau. People need someone to talk to who will advise them which direction to take. They have such a good attitude and are sensitive to people's needs. I found their service clear and courteous and they quickly gave me the number of a Business Debt Specialist who was able to help me with my issue. People commit suicide because of debt and I think the CAB should get more funding instead of the cuts" Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=176#ixzz1NgVqteSw |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:25:49 GMT 1
Rent arrears, little income and a 6 month old baby « Thread Started on Feb 9, 2011, 11:11am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr P and his partner have a 6 month old baby and low income. They came in to Bolton Citizens Advice Bureau having been refused Child Benefit and living only on Job Seekers Allowance. They had rent arrears and their landlord was seeking possession. The CAB were able to arrange to put claims in for Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Tax Credits, all of which they were entitled to. Being Hungarian nationals and struggling with the language barrier was an added disadvantage to this family but with the CAB's help they were guided through the numerous forms and procedures and helped to stop their impending eviction. Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=177#ixzz1NgW2rS00 |
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Post by nickd on May 28, 2011 22:26:56 GMT 1
Signposted to the CAB « Thread Started on Feb 9, 2011, 10:28am » -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was United Utilities that suggested Mr B sought help from the Citizens Advice Bureau. This was not the first time Mr B had received their assistance, they had previously helped him with a Disability Living Allowance claim following his diagnosis with Parkinsons disease. This time they were able to assist their client with an application to the United Utilities Trust Fund and help with a mortgage shortfall debt and in Mr B's own words " I wouldn't have known where to get help from if there wasn't a Citizens Advice Bureau" Read more: mylegal.org.uk/index.cgi?board=advice&action=display&thread=175#ixzz1NgWLlKxs |
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