The impact of Citizens Advice in Torridge We help people find a way - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Our Value to society: The impact of Citizens Advice in Torridge

We help people find a way forward

Advice and education: We provide integrated advice to solve individuals’ problems. We help people find a way forward, and develop the skills to prevent a similar scenario arising again. We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and accredited by the Advice Quality Standard’s framework. Research and campaigns: We use our data to understand the impact of policy and regulation, and campaign for changes to solve collective problems. So, one way or another, we’re helping everyone

• not just those we support directly.

How we work: We also create benefit to society through the way we deliver our services. This covers the social value of working with 29 volunteers across Torridge, our role in this community and the benefits of being part of a national network. Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities

£909,391

2015/16

£1.1 mil

2016/17

Our financial benefit to Torridge

Benefits of Income Maximisation:

Benefits for individuals’ families, contributing to local communities Reduces financial difficulties Promotes inclusion Benefits the local economy

Income gain:

Benefits and Tax Credit award Benefit and Tax Credit increase Charitable Payment Successful appeals Energy best deals Tax

2015/16 2016/17

2,547

• f clients

supported 4,581 issues dealt with 70%

• f advice

given face to face 41 evidence forms created

(>doubled)

2,438 clients supported 5,238 issues dealt with 52%

• f advice

given face to face

What advice do Torridge residents need?

56% 13% 7% 5% 19%

Benefits & Tax Credits Debt Employment Housing Other

Recent trends

5%

increase in clients supported by our Torridge offices

51%

Increase in issues with Welfare Benefits

Up 8%

People we support who are registered disabled

19%

Decrease in Council Tax arrears

23%

Decrease in issues around unsecured personal loan debt

13%

Increase in clients requiring specialist advice and casework Direct comparisons of 2015/16 and 2016/17 full reports

Giving Torridge residents a voice

In 2016/17, we have generated 41 evidence forms in Torridge, more than double the amount compared to the same period in 2015/16. The issues raised included Homelessness, Housing Benefit, Job Seekers Allowance and Court Fines 25 9 2 2 3 Benefits & Tax Credits Housing Debt Utilities and Communication Other

What do we spend the funding on?

Rent for the Bideford, Holsworthy and Torrington

• ffices and utility

costs The recruitment, training and development of our volunteers Maintaining our Adviceline and developing other digital services Maintenance of I.T and office equipment, stationary and communication costs Volunteer expenses and contribution to

• verheads

Citizens Advice membership fee, which includes insurance and quality of advice auditing

Our funding from Torridge District Council makes a significant contribution to the following

Wellbeing benefits

Citizens Advice outcomes and impact research, 2015

4 in 5

Felt less stressed, depressed or anxious

Nearly 1 in 5

found it easier to do their job or find a job

Nearly 1 in 4

had a more secure housing situation

1 in 2

had more money

• r control over

their finances

1 in 5

had better relationships with

• ther people

Nearly 1 in 2

felt their physical health had improved

After clients come to see us…

99% of TNMWD clients would recommend our local advice services

We benefit everyone:

• ur value is shared across society

Our value to society in 2016/17

For every £1 invested in our organisation (TNM&WD Citizens Advice) we generate at least:

in fiscal benefits

Saving to government

in public value

Wider economic and social benefits

in benefits to individuals

Value to our clients

Income gained through benefits, debts written

• ff and consumer

problems resolved.

£2.67 £16.33 £23.11

Reduction in health service demand, local authority homelessness services and out-of- work benefits for clients and volunteers. Improvements in participation and productivity for clients and volunteers.

Value to you, our Local Authority

We create additional value and can measure our success by:

• Reducing cases of homelessness and

helping to support demand to housing services

• Helping clients negotiate local

processes, such as welfare reform changes.

• Helping local authority rent and council

tax arrears to be paid and rescheduled, reducing the associated administrative costs. We can supply you with the most accurate picture

• f what is going on in

your local area via

• ur statistics and

client profile information We are keen to work more closely with your Council for the benefit of

• ur clients through

means of contracts

Torridge, North, Mid and West Devon Citizens Advice January 2017

“Everything was falling apart. Citizens Advice helped me get back on track”

A young pregnant woman who was periodically hospitalised due to domestic abuse was left unable to claim benefits for almost four months. The client, who had been left unable to work full time due to back issues and mental health problems had been receiving Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) to help her find some part time work to support her daily living. She was advised by another agency to instead apply for Employment Support Allowance (ESA), a benefit that supports those unable to work due to illness or disability. When she applied for ESA, she was turned down by DWP who said she did not have the right to reside in the UK despite receiving a letter from them saying she did in relation to JSA. Despite calls to DWP they still claimed she was not eligible. Her child was due in seven weeks and she was facing eviction from her home, where she slept in a single bed with her mother. We were determined to ensure she was correctly supported, knowing that she did indeed have a right to reside in the UK. After multiple appointments with our advisers, the client was supported through the Mandatory Reconsideration and Appeals process, which saw her represented at a Tribunal. Our efforts secured her £2,798.10 in back payments and an additional £102.15 per week (£5,311.80 per annum) which will help to support her and her baby for the foreseeable future.