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Word of advice: we need cash for face-to-face help
• AS the new manager at Islington People’s Rights, I can reinforce the comments from Islington’s two MPs (MPs: advice hotline can’t cope with demand for help in slump, April 3).
I have been in post only since March 16, but have been able to see for myself that the demand for face-to-face advice within the borough is huge. The economic downturn means the needs of people have increased dramatically, and we find ourselves even more in demand.
Islington People’s Rights has been providing high-quality welfare rights and debt advice for well over 30 years. We are an independent benefits and money advice service, constituted as a registered charity.
We provide a telephone advice line three days of the week. The main demand, however, is for appointments with our experienced advice workers, to deal with more complex issues relating to benefits or debt issues.
We undertake complex casework and provide representation to social security appeal tribunals. Currently, members of the public will have to wait up to two weeks for an appointment, and even this can often prove difficult.
Many other organisations refer clients to us, as the experts on welfare rights and debt advice, adding to the challenge for Islington People’s Rights.
There is a need for generalist advice in Islington. However, increased funding and support for the organisations that have the experience and skilled staff is what is most required.
That way we can ensure face-to-face services are fully staffed and resourced, and that the people of Islington get the service they deserve.
Gerard Omasta-Milsom
Manager, Islington People’s Rights
Manor Gardens, N7
• IT was with delight that I saw a flyer advertising a Citizens Advice Service for Islington. Since the Lib Dem council allowed it to collapse more than two years ago, I have been campaigning for its re-establishment. In these difficult economic times the need for a decent Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is all the more necessary.
I was very disappointed to learn that there is only a telephone service and website on offer. This half-hearted attempt at the re-establishment of a CAB comes far too late in the day and is wholly inadequate.
As we know from councillors’ and MPs’ surgeries, those most in need of advice on debt, benefits and immigration need to see an advisor face to face, occasionally with the use of an interpreter.
We know that people’s cases can be complex. With the current arrangement, people’s phone bills will be going through the roof. The council should make the CAB a free phone number straight away.
Cllr Catherine West
Islington Labour group leader
• FOR many residents with money or legal worries, advice services are a lifeline and we welcome coverage of Citizens Advice Islington in the Tribune.
Many charities operate telephone advice services offering convenient advice to people, whether they are calling from work or home. For the cost of a local call, many thousands of people will benefit from the new Citizens Advice Islington line, and there will be a free call-back service for those who need it.
If a problem cannot be resolved over the telephone, a face-to-face meeting will be arranged at one of several outreach venues across the borough.
We know people will be pleased to welcome Citizens Advice back to Islington. The service takes its place alongside Islington Law Centre and Islington People’s Rights, who have been providing services in the borough throughout and will continue to do so.
Over the coming years, users will be the best judge of how the new service is faring so we’ll be listening carefully to their feedback.
Meanwhile, the number to call is 0844 856 3537 Monday to Friday.
Cllr Lucy Watt
Lib Dem deputy leader, Islington Council
James Banks
Manager, Citizens Advice Islington
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