CAB

Hi all,

Just an observation about the Citizens Advice Bureau.

I have just been reading the threads on page 60 of the benefits questions earlier this year, and a lot of mention was made of the CAB's position with regard to their lack of funding by the government. (Especially pages 2&3)

How does this square with the knowledge we have now, that a lot of CAB offices are to close, and their representatives are not now able to represent us, because of the lack of funds from the government in the light of the present cuts?

I have been trying all week since I received the result of my esa50 and been placed into wrag,to speak to someone at my local cab, no luck, its all part of an overall plan, I think,thats my opinion.

As regards representation being undermined by cuts a few points here

1. The tribunals will be aware of the difficulty claimants face in obtaining representation, and in that sense will not generally assume that a lack of representation implies a unwillingness on the part of any agency to take the case

2. The reason why a lot of cases win when reprsented is not all down to magical advbocacy and expertise. Simply a knowledge of w=hat is relevant, how to argue the case and what evidence is needed in support. A determined claimant, with the help of the members guides and advice from the forum, can overcome to some extent the handicap of not being represented.

3, Many membeers have reported they acted for themselves at tribunal and it went OK It can be done, and when it succeeds, it is very empowerin g

XFACTOR wrote:

As regards representation being undermined by cuts a few points here

1. The tribunals will be aware of the difficulty claimants face in obtaining representation, and in that sense will not generally assume that a lack of representation implies a unwillingness on the part of any agency to take the case

2. The reason why a lot of cases win when reprsented is not all down to magical advbocacy and expertise. Simply a knowledge of w=hat is relevant, how to argue the case and what evidence is needed in support. A determined claimant, with the help of the members guides and advice from the forum, can overcome to some extent the handicap of not being represented.

3, Many membeers have reported they acted for themselves at tribunal and it went OK It can be done, and when it succeeds, it is very empowerin g

Thx xfactor for the ad for B&W

Hi Paul, I couldn't get any help so came to this site, represented myself and won my appeal

(now they can't get rid of me )