Party leaders make election pledge to Citizens Advice
Scotland’s party leaders have made a General Election pledge to stand up for the Citizens Advice network in Scotland as it celebrates its 80th anniversary.
SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon, Scottish Conservative and Unionist interim leader Jackson Carlaw, Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard, Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie and Scottish Greens Co-convenor Patrick Harvie backed the service in a video released on the charity’s social media channels today.
The video details some of the statistics behind the Citizens Advice service, with politicians praising the vital work of staff and trained volunteers.
Last year over 2,300 trained volunteers contributed more than 760,000 hours in the network. That led to over a quarter of a million people getting advice and support with over 700,000 issues.
That advice unlocked more than £130 million in gains for people, from access to social security payments or lower bills.
The first Citizens Advice Bureau were established during the Second World War, with 200 across the UK. The first CABs in Scotland were in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Stirling and Dundee.
The video is the latest intervention in a year of celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary. In October MSPs held a member’s debate in the Scottish Parliament, led by Labour MSP Anas Sarwar.
SNP MSP Angela Constance hosted a reception for CAB managers earlier this month, including the unveiling of a film by writer, rapper and campaigner Darren McGarvey.
Next week the charity will publish ‘Advice in Scotland’ – it’s state of the nation report.
Citizens Advice Scotland chief executive Derek Mitchell said: “It’s wonderful to see politicians of all parties give their clear and enthusiastic backing to the Citizens Advice network in Scotland as part of the General Election campaign.
“With a footprint in every community across the country the Citizens Advice network in Scotland helps hundreds of thousands of people every year.
“We know that politicians of every political party really value the service that bureau staff and trained volunteers deliver to people in their communities. The help and advice we deliver can empower people with genuinely life changing results.
“We also take the issues we see in these local communities and speak with a national voice to governments and industry to deliver positive change for people.
“Anyone who needs some advice on any issue – from navigating the social security system to and consumer issues can turn to their local bureau for help.”