Citizens Advice Bureau - Annual Review 2024/25

Case Study 1: Relief A client presented at the bureau with issues dealing with substantial levels of debt which had accrued to pay off money owed to criminals from whom his son who had purchased illegal drugs. The client, being benefits dependant with a Housing Association tenancy, was unable to pay the debt he had contracted. Some of the debt was hire purchase on goods acquired by the criminals before payments were complete. The CAB adviser contacted the hire purchase companies presenting the circumstances and they agreed not to proceed with further action either for outstanding payments or return of the goods. Completing an Income and Expenditure assessment revealed a total debt of £71,244.76 and no disposable income. On looking at income maximisation the client was potentially entitled to Adult Disability Payment. He was given assistance to apply. To prevent other creditors from taking enforcement action an application was made for a Statutory Moratorium. All relevant debt solutions were explored and, after careful consideration it was concluded that Full Administration Bankruptcy was his best option. An application for bankruptcy with all supporting evidence was submitted resulting in bankruptcy being awarded by the accountant in bankruptcy. Case Study 2: Saved in time A 62 year old contacted the bureau after having received a threat of eviction from her Housing Association for rent arrears. She was living alone with multiple health issues including long Covid. Over recent years resulting from Covid she had become extremely isolated, withdrawn, had stopped answering her door and opening letters. Her Housing Benefit stopped in 2023 as she had not responded to a request for bank details to facilitate this. This led to rent arrears of over £2,500. Her income was from Employment and Support Allowance. The adviser contacted the Housing Association to inform them that their tenant had started to engage and address her situation. They agreed to sist eviction proceedings meantime. The adviser then contacted her bank to set up a new account but it transpired that her existing account as merely dormant and could be reactivated by calling into a branch with identification. With her bank account now operational she was able to appeal the housing benefit and use funds to clear her rent arrears. The client returned later with a DWP Migration letter. However, she did not have Adult Disability Payment in place. If managed migration had been completed before an application was made for Adult Disability Payment the client would have lost out on transitional protection so an application was then made for Adult Disability Payment and the managed migration was completed. The housing costs are now paid directly to the landlord to prevent any further rent arrears accruing. Case Study 3: Help all round Aclient, a singlewomanoriginally fromGambia livingalone in temporary accommodation, was referred tooneof ourMoney&Debt Advisers (outreach) by a Caseworker in a Homelessness Casework Team. She had indefinite Leave to Remain status but was unable to work due to poor health. She suffered from asthma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, type 2 diabetes, back pain, anaemia and period pains. Her income was Adult Disability Payment at the standard daily living rate at £72.65 per week with no Mobility Component and Universal Credit at £400.00 per month. She believed she should have been on the higher rates so wished to challenge the ADP award letter she had received. The adviser helped submit a redetermination for he ADP claim and was advised a decision should be reached within 56 days. The decision was reached and she was awarded the Standard Rate for Mobility (a change from having no mobility and still have the Standard Daily Living component). We also advised on the eligibility and claiming process involved in applying for a National Entitlement Card for free ‘bus travel and other facilities. The adviser assisted with an application which was successful. The Glasgow (Central) Citizens’ Advice Bureau is a company Limited by Guarantee Company Number 146212. Registered as a charity by the OSCR Number SC001130, Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN 617459 • Registered Office Level 3, The Mitchell Library, 201 North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN Design and production Big Think Agency. We wish to thank: The Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Citizens’ Advice Scotland, The Robertson Trust, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde, Glasgow Helping Heroes, and others for financial and other forms of support. Special thanks to the volunteers, Board of Directors and staff for their loyalty and commitment. Opening Hours: Mondays to Fridays 09.00 -17.00 Appointments & Drop-in Service: Mondays to Fridays 09.15 - 15.30 (Sessions within these times may vary) Telephone (Reception and Switchboard) 0141 552 5556 Email office@glasgowcentralcab.casonline.org.uk Website www.glasgowcentralcab.org.uk