Latest News

  Tuesday 13th December 2011

Media Contact:  01387 266193

CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE REPORT REVEALS £28m OF DEBT MISERY IN DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY

The local Citizens Advice Service, which has 4 main offices across the region, saw a total of 1,283 debt clients over the year. Their average debts were £21,767, much higher than the previous year’s average of £18,496.  Mortgage debt has also nearly tripled in three years to almost £3 million.

Publishing the figures today, D&G CAS Chief Executive Sue Irving said,

“These figures show just how many local people are drowning in debt. Peoples’ incomes just can’t keep up with the rising cost of living, so people are turning to credit in order to get through the week, and that often means doorstep credit, loan sharks or pay-day loans. These may look attractive on TV ads but these short-term high-interest loans are a gateway to misery. We see it every day in all our CAB offices locally. And these figures show that the problem is getting worse.

“We’re also very proud of the service we’ve been able to give to people. We don’t have a magic wand unfortunately, and can’t wish your debt away. But there are lots of things we can do to help you manage your debt. For example we can negotiate with your creditors on your behalf and often we can persuade them to freeze or reduce the interest. We can also look at ways of maximising your income and come up with a re-payment plan that will take the pressure off you a bit. Our advisers are specially trained experts, and our advice is free, confidential and completely impartial.

“But the best advice of all is don’t get into debt in the first place. We understand how difficult it is for people on low incomes and people are under particular pressure at this time of year – everyone wants to have enough money to have a good Christmas. But our message to local people is that they really need to avoid that temptation. Christmas on Credit is not a good idea, and will just bring you misery in the New Year. Many of the people whose cases appear in this report told us that they first got into debt at Christmas time and haven’t been able to get out of it. The best Christmas present you can give yourself and your family is to give debt a miss.

“We have published 10 Tips to Avoid Christmas Debt. Hopefully this can help reduce the figures when we come to publish next year’s report. In the meantime, anyone who needs help with debt or finances should come and see us.”

For more information, interviews etc. please contact Sue Irving, Chief Executive, on 01387 266193.

Notes to editors

D&GCAS is the only advice organisation in Dumfries & Galloway which has been accredited to Scottish National Standards Type III which ensures the quality of advice provided. It has CAB offices in Dumfries, Annan, Stranraer and Castle Douglas and outreach services in other towns in the region.

DAGCAS DEBT FIGURES (full report attached)

	Year to 31 March 2008	Year to 31 March 2009	Year to 31 March 2010	Year to 31 March 2011
Total Debt	£21,006,455	£27,031,936	£26,448,693	£27,927,166

D&GCAS Top Ten Tips for a debt-free Christmas

1. Be realistic about what you can afford!
The worst way to do Christmas shopping is at the last minute, in a panic, pushing everything onto your credit card. Make sure you plan – based on what you can afford - and then stick to the plan.

2. If you can afford to pay for goods in cash – without credit - do that!
Don’t take out credit unless it really does work out cheaper.

3. If you are using credit, shop around for the best deal
Be wary about ‘Buy now, pay later’ offers. Are you sure you’ll have the money later? Remember - penalties for late payment are huge.

4. Read the small print of any credit agreement closely.
If anything is unclear, ASK before you sign. Then get advice from someone independent.

5. Beware of Store cards.
They’re usually a more expensive form of credit than credit cards, many charging interest rates of around 30 per cent.

6. Don’t run up a bank overdraft without talking first to your bank
This will be much more expensive than if you agree it beforehand.

7. Remember the New Year Utility bills!
Gas and electricity bills often arrive in January/February, just when you’re feeling the pinch after the Christmas spend. And they’ll be higher than usual at this time of year. Allow for these in your budgeting. 8. When it does come to paying those bills in the New Year, prioritise!
Payments such as mortgage/rent, gas/electricity and council tax should always come first.

9. Have you maximised your income?
If you’re a lone parent, on a low income, unemployed, or a pensioner, there may be benefits available to you that you are not claiming. Your local CAB can help you check.

10. If you do think you’ve over-spent, get help immediately!

Don’t ignore it or hope it will go away. It won’t! Your local CAB will give you free, confidential and independent advice on how to manage your debt. But you have to ask for it asap. Sticking your head in the sand won’t make your debt go away - it’ll only get worse.

ENDS

 Friday 9th December 2011

 News from our Volunteer Advisers

 

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 PRESS RELEASE

 DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE

Contact: Sue Irving, Chief Executive, 01387 266193

LOCAL CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE GIVES 12 TIPS TO BE A

“SAVVY SEASONAL SHOPPER”

Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service is urging local people to be “savvy shoppers” this Christmas, and have published 12 Tips for people to bear in mind as they hit the High Streets (or the mouse!)

Launching the 12 Tips today. D&G CAS Chief Executive Sue Irving says,

“All through this year our advisers deal with people who are struggling to cope financially. Many people are finding it hard just to meet their normal household bills week after week. So we know Christmas shopping presents a particular challenge this year for many families.

“We all know the pressures of Christmas shopping. It’s all too easy to make the wrong decision about what, how and where to buy. Spending a few pence extra here and there might not seem like much, but it all adds up. Sadly, we have also found over the years that shoppers can be caught out if they don’t know their consumer rights – and mounting costs can mean some people start the New Year in debt.

“It’s important to budget carefully, and also to compare prices and shop around for the best deal. But people also need to be aware of a shop’s policies for returning items. And it’s easy to get caught out on things you least expect: like parking charges because you went over the time you paid for.

“So we are joining with Citizens Advice colleagues across the UK to release these 12 tips which will hopefully help people avoid over-spending unnecessarily. Some of these may seem obvious, but there will be some things here that you haven’t thought of as well. All in all, we want to make sure that people in Dumfries & Galloway have a great Christmas and New Year – unspoiled by the worry that you’ve spent too much.”

For more information, interviews etc. please contact Sue Irving on 01387 266193

DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY

CITIZENS ADVICE SERVICE

12 TIPS: BE A ‘SAVVY SEASONAL SHOPPER’

1. Make a Budget - and stick to it!

It may seem like an obvious thing to say, but in fact how many of us actually do work out a specific budget, written on a piece of paper, and keep it with us as we shop? Why not try doing that this year? Christmas costs soon mount up, so managing your money is key.

2. Know your shopping rights - all year round

Whatever time of year – be it Christmas or summer – the goods you buy must be of satisfactory quality (not faulty) - match the description (if it says it is an all wool jumper, it should be a jumper made of wool) - and be fit for their purpose (if you were buying computer software and asked whether it would work on your particular computer, it should do so). If not, you’re entitled to your money back if you’re quick.  If you aren’t quick you could be offered a repair or replacement instead to put things right.

Super seasonal tip: Some shops really get into the seasonal spirit and give their shoppers something extra – and may even let you change your mind when there is no fault, so ask. 

3. Check the size before you buy

If you’re buying clothes or shoes or something that is dependent on size, try to find out the person’s size beforehand.  If you can’t do that discreetly and don’t want to give the game away by asking check if the shop or seller will be happy to swop it if you buy the wrong size by mistake.  Remember, you don’t have a right to just change your mind and nor does the person you gave the gift to. 

4. Keep the receipt

… in case it needs to be returned. If there is a problem with the gift and it needs to be returned, the shop will usually want to see the receipt to prove that it was bought at that store.  Remember, if you pay by card then any refund usually goes back on that card.

Super seasonal tip: When you buy a gift for someone, all of the refund and return rights stick with you.  But you can ask if they will allow you to transfer your rights along with the gift.  If the shop agrees it’s useful to have the name of the person you’re giving the gift to recorded on their receipt so they can use your rights if it’s faulty.

5. Armchair shoppers get a 7-day cooling off period

When you buy gifts online, over the phone, through a catalogue or TV shopping channel it is called ‘distant selling’ because you don’t deal with anyone face to face.  You haven’t been able to check out the product yourself and are relying on a picture or description so you get a seven day cooling off period (from the day after it’s delivered), to change your mind and send it back. 

Super seasonal tip:  You may need to prove you’ve used your cancellation rights and sent it back so always email or write to the company to tell them you are returning it and get a postage receipt when you send it back.

6. But remember what armchair shoppers can’t return

You can’t return things that you’ve bought online (or by phone or post) that have a short shelf life - like flowers or food - because they won’t be usable by the time they arrive back with the trader.  And for CDs and DVDs you can only return them if they haven’t been opened - if the security seal is broken or any cellophane has been torn off etc you will not be able to use your seven days distance selling cancellation rights. 

Super seasonal tip: Don’t just put items away to wrap up later. Check things carefully as soon as you get them and return them within seven days if you bought it online (or by phone or post) if they’re not what you expected.

7. Don’t get caught out with parking charges

It’s easy to go over your parking time with long Christmas shopping queues.  Check the parking notice carefully so you know how long you’ve got and where you are allowed to park. Allow for Christmas delays – otherwise you might end up with the unwanted gift of a hefty parking charge. Or why not consider using public transport instead?

8. Check the cost of credit

If you are thinking of using credit cards or other credit to pay, or are invited to sign up to a new store card in the shop, check the paperwork for the price of that credit.  Ask about the total you’ll have to pay in the end and decide if it’s worth the extra just to put off payment or get an introductory offer. Don’t be rushed into an expensive deal because there’s a queue – if you are unsure go away and think about it. Ask someone’s advice. Many store cards actually end up costing you more.

9. Always check the delivery date

We can rely on Santa to deliver gifts on time, but the deliveries you’re expecting from online, phone or mail orders could take longer than you expect. Make sure you check the Christmas delivery times.

Super seasonal tip: If you’ve placed an order and think it’s not going to arrive in time, you can cancel by letter or email.  But let them know asap so you don’t end up having to send it back and paying the postage to return it.

10. Watch out for dodgy traders

What looks like a bargain may not be one if it turns out to be faulty and you can’t find the trader after Christmas. Ask yourself: do you know where it came from and do you think you can find the trader again if there’s a problem?  If you do find out that a trader is dodgy then please report them to Trading Standards – and tell all your friends as well!

Super seasonal tip:  If you’re buying online you can make sure the website is secure by looking for the padlock and the https:// on the payment page.

11. Shop In the sales

Your rights are just the same if you are buying goods in the sale as at any other time.  But if there is a notice or a tag on the product that says it is faulty - that’s why it’s cheap.  If you buy it you’re accepting that fault.

12. Buy gifts in the sale for Christmas 2012

Plan ahead - the sales can be a good time to get next year’s Christmas cards, wrapping paper and gifts at less than this year’s prices.

ENDS

7 November 2011

Media Contact:  01387 266193

CAB OFFERS HELP AS STRANRAER IS IDENTIFIED AS ‘VULNERABLE’

The Chief Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service has urged people in Stranraer to seek help over financial problems after two separate studies indicated that the town is one of the worst affected by the recession.

Just days after a survey by R3 branded Stranraer the ‘bankruptcy capital of Scotland’, a report this week by the Scottish Agricultural College has identified the town as one of the leaders of a league table of 44 most ‘economically vulnerable’ towns in Scotland.

D&G CAS Chief Executive Sue Irving says,

“It’s very distressing to see such indicators. Stranraer is a great town with a proud people and a great history. It has seen periods of dynamic economic growth in its time, and will do so again. The fact that some people are struggling at the moment is no reflection on them but a symptom of dire economic forces beyond their control.

“Staff at the local CAB office in Lewis Street are aware of these problems and are doing all they can to help those people who temporarily need a bit of support. We offer advice on debt and all aspects of financial management.

We can often negotiate with peoples’ creditors for example, to reduce or freeze the amount owed, and in some cases we can even increase peoples’ income by identifying benefits they didn’t know they were entitled to claim.  Our help is free, impartial and confidential.”

The Stranraer office is currently dealing with over £9 million of debt on behalf of almost 300 clients.  Since January of this year, the Stranraer CAB has also dealt with almost 3,000 benefit enquiries (55% of its work), over 400 housing enquiries and almost 400 employment enquiries. 

Sue Irving continues:

“We are proud to offer this service to local people and to have made life a bit easier for these clients. But obviously with such an increase in workload our team of advisers are stretched beyond their normal capacity and we would welcome some new volunteers to help share the workload. Volunteering in a CAB is one of the most rewarding things that you can do, and is a great way to help the community. So I would appeal to anyone in the area who has a bit of spare time to consider whether they might want to come forward and enter our training programme. There has never been a better time.”

Elizabeth Sykes, Manager of the Stranraer office, comments:

“We would not be able to assist the number of clients we do if it were not for the valuable contribution made by our dedicated team of volunteers.  They are greatly appreciated both by the clients and by the specialist staff who work very closely with them in the Stranraer office.”

Notes to editors:

Sue Irving can be contacted on 01387 266193.

1. Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DAGCAS) has four permanent CAB offices – one each in Annan, Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Stranraer. But it also has regular advice clinics in other towns, including Sanquhar, Langholm, Dalbeattie, Wigtown, Newton Stewart, Kelloholm and Dumfries Hospital. In addition the service has specialist teams on housing, money advice, benefits including a specialist service for people affected by cancer, in court advice and representation and the Independent Advice Service Project
2. Last year the service dealt with a total of almost 32,000 issues from 17,500 client contacts. The majority of cases are financial, e.g. debt and problems with the benefits system. But the service will deal with any sort of problem – including consumer issues, housing problems, legal disputes, work problems etc. For more details on the sorts of cases dealt with, please contact us.

3. DAGCAS is an independent registered charity. It first opened in 1997. It currently employs 49 staff, and has 60 volunteers.  Its annual turnover last year was over £1million. In 2010/11 DAGCAS advisers won a total of almost £10million in client financial gain (money it won for its clients, e.g. through lost benefits, compensation etc.) which was a significant contribution to the D & G economy.

4. The opening hours of each office vary, but all are available on the service’s website www.dagcas.info

5. DAGCAS is part of the network off 83 CABs across Scotland. Like all CABs, the advice it gives is free, confidential and impartial. The CAB service has been in existence since 1939, and is one of the most popular and well-recognised charities in the UK.

6. The Scottish Agricultural College report can be found here A Vulnerability Index of Scottish Towns (2011)

Press Release

28th October 2011

Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service

Media Contact:  01387 266193

LOCAL PEOPLE WARNED TO BEWARE

"CITIZENS ADVICE" PHONE SCAM

People in Dumfries and Galloway are being telephoned by fraudsters who are claiming to be from the local Citizens Advice Bureau.

The real Citizens Advice Service has warned people to be on their guard against this scam and to report any instances which happen.

Sue Irving, Chief Executive of Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service, said today,

“We have been made aware that someone is phoning local households and claiming to be from the Citizens Advice Service. They are asking people for their financial information, and offering to help them clear their debts etc. This scam has also been reported in other parts of the country.

“I want to state very clearly that the Citizens Advice Service ONLY phones existing clients and DOES NOT telephone people at random to ask for their financial information. This is not something we would ever do and nor would any reputable organisation.

If you receive such a call do not give them any information and report the call to the Police on 0845 600 5701 as soon as you can and to our head office by phoning 01387 266193”

Meanwhile, the Citizens Advice Scotland has this week launched a national campaign aimed at combatting all types of scams. The charity revealed that while 50% of us have experienced attempts to scam us, only 5% of these scams are ever reported.

Sue Irving continues,

“There are many different types of scam, and fortunately most people avoid falling into their trap. But thousands of us do get caught out, and here at the Citizens Advice Service we’ve seen cases where people have lost thousands of pounds. The shocking thing is that very few scams ever get reported and this is what gives the fraudsters the confidence to continue trying to con others.

“There is absolutely no shame in being the victim of fraud. Many scams today are very well-planned and sophisticated. If you experience an attempt to defraud you of your money – whether it is successful or not – you should always report it. That’s how we can stamp them out.

“Report scams to the Police and the local Trading Standards Office at the Council. And of course we at the Citizens Advice Service will also do what we can to help if you think you have been targeted.”

Notes to editors

Sue Irving can be contacted on 01387 266193 

1. Dumfries & Galloway Citizens Advice Service (DAGCAS) has four permanent CAB offices – one each in Annan, Dumfries, Castle Douglas and Stranraer. But it also has regular advice clinics in other towns, including Sanquhar, Langholm, Dalbeattie, Wigton, Newton Stewart, Kelloholm and Dumfries Hospital. In addition the service has specialist teams on housing, money advice, benefits including a specialist service for people affected by cancer, in court advice and representation and the Independent Advice Service Project

2. Last year the service dealt with a total of almost 32,000 issues from 17,500 client contacts. The majority of cases are financial, e.g. debt and problems with the benefits system. But the service will deal with any sort of problem – including consumer issues, housing problems, legal disputes, work problems etc. For more details on the sorts of cases dealt with, please contact us.

3. DAGCAS is an independent registered charity. It first opened in 1997. It currently employs 49 staff, and has 60 volunteers.  Its annual turnover last year was over £1million. In 2010/11 DAGCAS advisers won a total of almost £10million in client financial gain (money it won for its clients, e.g. through lost benefits, compensation etc.) which was a significant contribution to the D & G economy.

4. The opening hours of each office vary, but all are available on the service’s website www.dagcas.info

5. DAGCAS is part of the network off 83 CABs across Scotland. Like all CABs, the advice it gives is free, confidential and impartial. The CAB service has been in existence since 1939, and is one of the most popular and well-recognised charities in the UK.

The campaign by Citizens Advice Scotland this week advised people of 5 things they can do when faced with a deal they think is a scam.

1. Be Sceptical – If it seems too good to be true it probably is!

2. Take Your Time - don’t let them rush you to make a decision. Get advice.

3. Know Who You’re Dealing With – Ask for their web address. Check them out. Ask around.

4. Protect Your Information – NEVER give your details to someone you are unsure of.

5. Report It! – Why Let Them Get Away with it, to scam someone else?

TYPES OF SCAM

Over the summer, CAS surveyed 600 people in Scotland to identify the types of scam that people most fear.

The top 10 were as follows:-
(NB each person was asked to identify 3 types of scam):-

The full CAS report on scams is at www.cas.org.uk

ENDS

For more information on this topic check out

AdviceGuide

National Fraud Authority
 

August 4th 2011

 July 2011

The new Money Advice Service in Scotland

A free, unbiased, clear & confidential service

Money Advice that makes a difference - helping everyone make the most of their money

Citizens Advice Bureaux are now delivering face-to-face Money Advice sessions across Scotland, to help everyone make the most of their money. We want to help people to take control of their finances.

Our new service is not designed to replace current CAB debt advice provision, which provides casework, crisis debt management, income maximization and negotiation with creditors, but to complement it and to ensure that people do not get into crisis situations, by enabling them to make the right financial decisions before a crisis is reached.

Supported by Dumfries & Galloway Council