Research and campaigns

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire speaks up for the people it helps through  research and campaigns that tackle the big issues affecting people’s lives.

We challenge organisations – such as government, service providers and other bodies – when their policies or practices may be having an unfair impact on our clients.

By tackling problems at source, we aim to improve outcomes for our clients and the wider community helps everyone, while reducing the need for people to seek advice in the first place.

Our campaigning is rooted in the real experiences of our clients.

We work locally, regionally and nationally – including joining forces with other Citizens Advice offices in major national campaigns.

What is research and campaigns?

All of us are affected by the rules and principles which shape the services and benefits that we all rely on.

These rules and principles are evident in legislation, regulations, codes of practice and the policies of service providers. However, they are not always written down or easy to find out about.

Some policies affecting clients are national, such as social security, employment and immigration laws.

Others are affected by local policies and practices – such as housing benefit, community care, housing, health and education.

For more about national Citizens Advice’s campaigning role click here.

Our local campaigning

Citizens Advice South Gloucestershire’s recent campaigns include the following:

Water social tariffs

Our charity has worked with water providers in our area to ensure social tariffs are available to people who are struggling.

Homelessness

Our charity is working productively with the local authority to improve outcomes for people struggling with homelessness.

Bailiff moratoriums

We are working with bailiff companies to highlight instances where clients are being contacted during Breathing Space and Debt Relief Order moratoriums.