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Citizens Advice

2023-06-22T13:34:58Z

91.84.12.37: /* Citizens Advice Northern Ireland */

{{Short description|British charitable organisation}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox organization
| name = Citizens Advice<ref name="civilsociety.co.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/19572/citizens_advice_launches_1m_rebrand_and_modernisation_programme_without_the_word_bureau |title=Citizens Advice launches £1m rebrand and modernisation programme and drops the word 'bureau'
|publisher=Civilsociety.co.uk |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>
| image = File:Citizens Advice Logo.png
| caption = The English language Citizens Advice logo following a rebrand in 2015<ref name="civilsociety.co.uk"/>
| type = [[Charitable organisation]]<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web |url=http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/directory/company/2779/national_association_of_citizens_advice_bureau |title=National Association of Citizens Advice Bureau - Directory of charities and suppliers |publisher=Civil Society |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121155513/http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/directory/company/2779/national_association_of_citizens_advice_bureau |archive-date=2015-11-21 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| founded_date = 1939<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |title=History of the Citizens Advice service |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-21 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040555/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| registration_id = 279057<ref name="citizensadvice2">{{cite report |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Public/About%20us/Annual%20report/Citizens-Advice-annual-report-2014-15.pdf |title=Citizens Advice annual report 2014/15 |date=August 2015 |language=en}}</ref>
| location = Head office: Citizens Advice, 3rd Floor North, 200 Aldersgate Street, London, EC1A 4HD<ref>{{cite web |title=Our administrative offices |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/citizens-advice-offices/ |website=Citizens Advice |access-date=7 March 2020}}</ref>
| coordinates = {{Coord|51|31|04|N|00|05|51|W|display=inline,title}}
| key_people = [[Clare Moriarty]] (Chief Executive)<ref name="thirdsector1">{{cite web |author=02 March 2015, Be the First to Comment |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/gillian-guy-citizens-advice-moving-times/management/article/1334855 |title=Gillian Guy to step down as Chief Executive |website=Citizens Advice|access-date=}}</ref>
| area_served = [[United Kingdom]] 316 branches nationally.<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
| purpose = "to provide advice that helps people to overcome their problems and come together to campaign on big issues when their voices need to be heard"<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
| focus = [[advice (opinion)|Advice]]<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
| method = Telephone, face to face, e-mail, webchat
| income = £99 million (2016/2017)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/citizens%20advice%20annual%20report.pdf |title=Annual Report 2016/2017 |access-date=2018-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181102163527/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/citizens%20advice%20annual%20report.pdf |archive-date=2018-11-02 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| num_volunteers = 21,600<ref name="citizensadvice2"/> (2015)
| num_employees = 7,000<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wig.co.uk/site/waig/templates/general.aspx?pageid=891&cc=gb |title=News: WIG are delighted to announce and welcome our latest new members, Bombardier, Citizens Advice and Research Councils UK - The Whitehall & Industry Group |publisher=Wig.co.uk |access-date=2015-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124064256/http://www.wig.co.uk/site/waig/templates/general.aspx?pageid=891&cc=gb |archive-date=2015-11-24 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref>
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk}}
}}
'''Citizens Advice'''<ref group="n">Citizens Advice is the operating name of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux which is the umbrella charity for a wider network of local advice centres. The abbreviation CitA is sometimes used to refer to this national Citizens Advice organization. Citizens Advice does not use an [[apostrophe]] in its title something the organisation dropped during the 1980s. However it appears in earlier usage for instance Margaret Brassnett's 1964 publication ''The Story of the Citizens' Advice Bureau''.</ref> (previously '''Citizens Advice Bureau'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lag.org.uk/magazine/2015/06/citizens-advice-%C2%A31m-re-brand-slammed-as-%E2%80%98facile%E2%80%99-by-advice-uk.aspx |title=Citizens Advice £1m re-brand slammed as 'facile' by Advice UK |publisher=Lag.org.uk |access-date=2015-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118043721/http://www.lag.org.uk/magazine/2015/06/citizens-advice-%C2%A31m-re-brand-slammed-as-%E2%80%98facile%E2%80%99-by-advice-uk.aspx |archive-date=2015-11-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref group="n">The abbreviation CABx, short for Citizens Advice Bureaux, is sometimes used to refer collectively to local Citizens Advice offices.</ref> and also known as '''Cyngor ar Bopeth'''<ref group="n">Cyngor ar Bopeth translates as 'advice on everything'</ref> in [[Welsh language|Welsh]]<ref name="citizensadvice3">{{cite web |url=https://blogs.citizensadvice.org.uk/makingsocietyfairer/75-for-the-75th-appeal/ |title=75 for the 75th appeal | |publisher=Blogs.citizensadvice.org.uk |date=2014-08-18 |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref>) is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with [[legal]], [[debt]], [[consumer]], [[housing]] and other problems in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Jill Insley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/sep/03/citizens-advice-cuts-threaten-vulnerable |title=Citizens Advice cuts threaten the most vulnerable | Money |work=The Guardian |date=3 September 2011 |access-date=2015-10-21}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-21656355 |work=BBC News | title=On the front line with the Citizens Advice Bureau}}</ref>

The twin aims of the Citizens Advice service are "to provide the advice people need for the problems they face"<ref name="enfieldcab.org.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.enfieldcab.org.uk/campaigns-170.html |title=Campaigns |publisher=Enfieldcab.org.uk |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118105710/http://www.enfieldcab.org.uk/campaigns-170.html |archive-date=2015-11-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and secondly "to improve the policies and principles that affect people's lives".<ref name="enfieldcab.org.uk"/> This research and campaigns agenda also known as "social policy" <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caox.org.uk/campaigning |title=Citizens Advice Oxfordshire :: Campaigning |publisher=Caox.org.uk |date=2015-11-17 |access-date=2015-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118191448/http://www.caox.org.uk/campaigning |archive-date=2015-11-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is more preventative in nature and designed to stop problems arising in the first place.

Citizens Advice organisations emerged in the 1930s linked to the emergence of a fledgling social welfare service and the outbreak of [[World War II]].<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |title=History of the Citizens Advice service |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-25 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040555/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> Public funding for the organisation was cut following the war but restored during the 1960s and a government grant in 1973 allowed the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB) to expand the charity.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> Citizens Advice has grown to be the largest independent advice provider in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chelmsfordcab.org/about.html |title=About |work=Chelmsford CAB |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> There are also a number of Citizens Advice organisations that base themselves on the [[United Kingdom]] advice charity [[Citizens Advice Bureaux outside of the United Kingdom|mainly in parts of the Commonwealth]] including [[Australia]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cabwa.com.au/ |title=Citizens Advice Bureau - Home |publisher=Cabwa.com.au |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> [[New Zealand]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cab.org.nz |title=CAB New Zealand- Free Advice |publisher=Cab.org.nz |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref> and [[Gibraltar]].<ref name="cab.gi">{{cite web |url=http://www.cab.gi/ |title=gcab |publisher=Cab.gi |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>

In 2013 the Citizens Advice Adviceguide website was visited by one third of United Kingdom's online population<ref name="citizensadvice3"/> and Citizens Advice's own research shows that four in ten of the [[United Kingdom|British]] population contact Citizens Advice at some point during their lives.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/what-we-do-and-how-we-can-help/ |title=What we do and how we can help |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118063956/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/what-we-do-and-how-we-can-help/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2014 Citizens Advice celebrated its 75th [[anniversary]]<ref>{{cite news|author=Jack Simpson |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/geese-too-loud-lost-false-teeth-we-can-help-celebrating-70-years-of-the-citizens-advice-bureau-9716593.html |title=Citizens Advice Bureau 75 year anniversary: Geese too loud? Lost false teeth? We can help! Celebrating seven decades of the CAB | Home News | News |work=The Independent |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> and in 2015 the [[Charitable organization|charity]] was named Charity of the Year at the 2015 Charity Awards.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ruraldevoncab.org.uk/news/citizens-advice-named-charity-year |title=Citizens Advice named 'Charity of the Year'! | Rural Devon Citizen's Advice Bureau |publisher=Ruraldevoncab.org.uk |date=2015-10-13 |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> During the ten year leadership of the former Chief Executive [[Gillian Guy]] Citizens Advice expanded its remit taking on the contract for the [[Witness Service]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/fundraising/news/content/18582/citizens_advice_succeeds_victim_support_running_12m-per-year_court_witness_service |title=Citizens Advice succeeds Victim Support running £12m-per-year court witness service |publisher=Civilsociety.co.uk |access-date=2015-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031941/http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/fundraising/news/content/18582/citizens_advice_succeeds_victim_support_running_12m-per-year_court_witness_service |archive-date=17 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the face-to-face advice element of [[Pension Wise]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/government-reveals-pension-wise-brand-for-new-pensions-guidance/ |title=Government reveals Pension wise brand for new pensions guidance |publisher=Citizens Advice |date=2015-01-12 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref>

==History==
===Origins===
[[File:Godalming Citizens Adivce.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Godalming Citizens Advice (pictured) in [[Godalming]], [[Surrey]] is one of 316 Citizens Advice offices in the United Kingdom.<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>]]
The origins of the modern Citizens Advice service can be traced back to the [[Betterton Report on Public Assistance]] from 1924.<ref>Fisher, G. (2009) ''Advice on Everything: A History of the Citizens Advice Bureau in Harrow 1939-2009'', www.citizensadvice.org.uk/harrow_cab_history.pdf</ref> This report recommended that advice centres should be set up to offer members of the public advice to help them with their problems. During the 1930s, as preparations and plans were drawn up for the possibility of war, the role that the voluntary sector should have was determined. The [[National Council for Social Service]] (NCSS) called a meeting in 1938 in which plans to establish "Citizens Aid Bureaux" were devised in the event of war.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/|title=History of the Citizens Advice service|work=Citizens Advice}}</ref>
The first 200 bureaux opened on 4 September 1939,<ref name="Harlow CAB">{{cite web |url=http://www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk/ms3/history.html |title=Harlow CAB |publisher=Harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126050520/http://www.harlowcitizensadvice.org.uk/ms3/history.html |archive-date=26 November 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> four days after [[World War II]] started. Many of these initial bureaux were run by "people of standing" in the community. In ''The Story of The Citizens' Advice Bureaux'' Brasnett states that the typical bureau would include "a committee chairman the editor of a respected county paper, as treasurer a local bank manager; and among the members the manager of the employment exchange, an estate agent who was able to lend part of a house for offices".<ref>{{cite web |author=Margaret E. Brasnett |url=http://cab94.tripod.com/orgnisng.htm |title=Organising |publisher=Cab94.tripod.com |access-date=2016-02-23 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303053101/http://cab94.tripod.com/orgnisng.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Brasnett also describes a range of groups running provincial bureau including [[Toc H]], [[Rotary Clubs]] and [[Soroptomist Club]]s.<ref name="tripod1">{{cite web |author=Margaret E. Brasnett for Citizens Advice Bureaux |url=http://cab94.tripod.com/beginngs.htm |title=Citizens Advice Bureaux - Beginnings |publisher=Cab94.tripod.com |access-date=2016-02-23 |archive-date=5 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305090323/http://cab94.tripod.com/beginngs.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> Brasnett states in ''The Story of the Citizens' Advice Bureau'' that these first bureau were mainly offshoots of established organisations in [[London]] and other large provincial cities. These organisations included the [[Charity Organisation Society]] (now the [[Family Action]]) and the [[London Council of Social Service]], the [[Liverpool Personal Service Society]], the [[Glasgow Care Foundation|City of Glasgow Society of Social Service]], the Birmingham Citizens' Society (now the [[Birmingham Council of Social Service]]).<ref name="tripod1"/> By 1942, there were 1,074 bureaux<ref name="Harlow CAB"/> in a wide range of improvised offices such as cafes, church halls, private homes and air-raid shelters. Sheffield set up in the cloisters of Sheffield Cathedral after its premises were bombed during [[World War II]] and another bureau worked in [[Chislehurst Caves]].<ref name="tripod1"/> Mobile offices also became important in ensuring that people could access advice. Many of the issues dealt with during that time were directly related to the war. These included the tracing of missing servicemen or [[prisoners of war]], evacuations, pensions and other allowances.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://cab94.tripod.com/asking.htm |title=The Story of The Citizens' Advice Bureaux - Asking |publisher=Cab94.tripod.com |access-date=2016-02-23 |archive-date=7 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160107081236/http://cab94.tripod.com/asking.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> ''[[The Independent]]'' describes Citizens Advice at this time as "clearing houses for family and personal problems that abound from war conditions", with common issues being lost ration books and [[debt]] issues as men went off to fight in [[World War II]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/geese-too-loud-lost-false-teeth-we-can-help-celebrating-70-years-of-the-citizens-advice-bureau-9716593.html|title=Citizens Advice Bureau 75 year anniversary: Geese too loud? Lost false|date=7 September 2014|website=independent.co.uk}}</ref>

===Post-war history===
Many war time bureaux closed at the end of the [[Second World War|war]],<ref>Sloviter, D. (1979) ''Let's look at the Citizens Advice Bureaux'', American Bar Association Journal, April 1979, vol. 65, p. 568</ref> although it was apparent that there was still a need for the services that had been established. A particular problem was the chronic housing shortage in the years immediately following the end of the war. In the 1950s, the funding was cut and by 1960 there were only 415 bureaux. The Citizens Advice service continued due to charitable support from groups such as the [[Nuffield Foundation]], [[Carnegie Trust]] and the [[Joseph Rowntree Foundation]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |title=History of the Citizens Advice service |publisher=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040555/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1972, The Citizens Advice service became independent. Before then, the national organisation was part of NCSS (National Council of Social Services) and most bureaux were run by the local CVS ([[Council for Voluntary Service]]). In 1973, the government funded NACAB, the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux, to enlarge the network. The 1984 afternoon television drama series ''[[Miracles Take Longer]]'' depicted the type of cases that a 1980s branch would have to deal with.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0420428/|title=Miracles Take Longer|date=25 July 1983|via=www.imdb.com}}</ref> David Harker became CEO in 1997. He led Citizens Advice until 2010 and during that time oversaw a massive IT overhaul.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.civilsociety.co.uk/finance.html|title=Finance - Civil Society|website=civilsociety.co.uk}}</ref>

Since 2003, the operating name of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux changed to Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Cymru or ''Cyngor ar Bopeth''<ref>This literally translates as "Advice on everything"</ref> in Wales.<ref name="citizensadvice5">{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |title=History of the Citizens Advice service |publisher=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118040555/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/history-of-the-citizens-advice-service/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In the same year Citizens Advice became the first advice sector organisation to begin to audit the quality of their advice.<ref name="citizensadvice5"/> In 2008/9, there were 416 member bureaux offering advice from over 3,300 locations in [[England and Wales]]<ref name="citizensadvice6">{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/introduction-to-the-citizens-advice-service/ |title=Introduction to the Citizens Advice service |publisher=Citizens Advice |access-date=2016-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307002728/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/introduction-to-the-citizens-advice-service/ |archive-date=2016-03-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a further 22 bureaux in [[Northern Ireland]] all of which are independent charities. Despite the large number of volunteers working for the organisation, level of demand for the service often far outstrips resources. Citizens Advice has recently begun looking at ways to reach all members of the community through new mediums such as email advice and digital TV. Another initiative has been allowing university students to train as advisers to gain credits toward their degree. This was pioneered by a partnership between the [[University of Portsmouth]] and Portsmouth Citizens Advice Bureau and is also now available at [[Birmingham City University]], [[University of Reading]], [[University of Northampton]], [[Glasgow Caledonian University]], and [[University of Glasgow]]. Training as a Citizens Advice adviser can earn a person up to six months off a training contract if training as a solicitor.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.open.ac.uk/law/main/pro-bono |title=Pro bono | The Open University Law School |publisher=Open.ac.uk |date=2015-05-27 |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>

===Recent history===

[[Gillian Guy]] became Chief Executive in 2010<ref name="thirdsector1"/> and under her leadership a modernisation process took place which involved a rebrand of the Citizens Advice service and the introduction of new advice methods including webchat. She was succeeded by Clare Moriarty in April 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=Clare Moriarty appointed Citizens Advice Chief Executive |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/cymraeg/amdanom-ni/about-us1/media/press-releases/clare-moriarty-appointed-citizens-advice-chief-executive/ |website=Citizens Advice |access-date=8 August 2021}}</ref>

At the start of Guy's tenure Citizens Advice faced a budget cut of 9%<ref>{{cite web |author=Randeep Ramesh |url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2010/aug/11/citizens-advice-new-chief-executive |title=New Citizens Advice chief executive promises fresh direction | Society |work=The Guardian |date=11 August 2010 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> however finances have recently improved with the charity increasing its income from £62m to £77m between 2013 and 2015.<ref name="thirdsector2">{{cite web |author=02 March 2015, Be the First to Comment |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/gillian-guy-citizens-advice-moving-times/management/article/1334855 |title=Gillian Guy of Citizens Advice on moving with the times |publisher=Third Sector |date=2015-03-02 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> This is largely a result of Citizens Advice taking over roles that were previously performed by the [[quango]]s the [[Office of Fair Trading]] and [[Consumer Futures]].<ref name="thirdsector2"/> During 2012 and 2013 Citizens Advice adopted an Equality Strategy known as 'Stand Up For Equality' which aims to embed an equality agenda in all work Citizens Advice does.<ref name="citizensadvice5"/><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/equality-and-the-citizens-advice-service/citizens-advice-service-equality-and-diversity-strategy/ |title=service equality strategy |publisher=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118170515/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/equality-and-the-citizens-advice-service/citizens-advice-service-equality-and-diversity-strategy/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2014 Citizens Advice took over the role that [[Victim Support]] played in supporting court witnesses. This contract is worth £24m. This service was renamed the [[Witness Service]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/24-million-grant-to-support-witnesses-at-court |title=£24 million grant to support witnesses at court - Press releases |publisher=GOV.UK |date=2014-11-15 |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> Also in 2014 Citizens Advice took over the role of [[Consumer Futures]] (previously Consumer Focus) which represents consumers of regulated industries (energy and the postal service).<ref name="citizensadvice5"/> In 2015 Citizens Advice began to deliver [[Pension Wise]] guidance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/how-to-make-the-most-of-your-pension-wise-appointment/ |title=How to make the most of your Pension Wise appointment |publisher=Citizens Advice |date=2015-04-02 |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> In 2015 Citizens Advice adopted a rebrand dropping the 'Bureau' from its name. The rebrand cost £1 million which includes £215,000 for research and development, £450,000 in financial support to implement the changes and £300,000 to cover local costs such as posters and materials.<ref>{{cite web |author=30 April 2015 by Andy Ricketts, 1 comment |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/citizens-advice-begins-1m-rebrand-drops-bureau-names-local-branches/communications/article/1345312 |title=Citizens Advice begins £1m rebrand and drops 'bureau' from names of local branches |publisher=Third Sector |date=2015-04-30 |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> The rebrand was criticised by Steve Johnson the Chief Executive Officer of [[AdviceUK]] who described it as "facile".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lag.org.uk/magazine/2015/06/citizens-advice-%C2%A31m-re-brand-slammed-as-%E2%80%98facile%E2%80%99-by-advice-uk.aspx |title=Citizens Advice £1m re-brand slammed as 'facile' by Advice UK |publisher=Lag.org.uk |access-date=2016-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118043721/http://www.lag.org.uk/magazine/2015/06/citizens-advice-%C2%A31m-re-brand-slammed-as-%E2%80%98facile%E2%80%99-by-advice-uk.aspx |archive-date=2015-11-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> However, evidence from Citizens Advice focus groups found that while the charity was well known the brand was considered somewhat “tired” or “old fashioned”.<ref name="charitytimes1">{{cite web |url=http://www.charitytimes.com/ct/dec-jan16-gillian-guy.php |title=Keeping up with the times |publisher=Charitytimes.com |date=2014-05-23 |access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref>

In 2019-20, the organisation's revenues were £139.1 million.<ref>{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2019/20 |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/CitizensAdvice/Governance/Annual%20Report-2019-20.pdf |website=Citizens Advice}}</ref>

In 2015 Citizens Advice piloted a webchat service allowing people to contact Citizens Advice advisers [[online]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.caox.org.uk/newsshow.php?newsid=445 |title=Citizens Advice Oxfordshire :: CAB launches web chat service for clients to discuss problems online |publisher=Caox.org.uk |date=2015-10-22 |access-date=2015-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119113627/http://www.caox.org.uk/newsshow.php?newsid=445 |archive-date=2015-11-19 |url-status=dead }}</ref> both via online instant messenger service and via e-mail. Data from 2015 showed that 7% of all enquiries to Citizens Advice were through the webchat service<ref name="charitytimes1"/> and 80,000 webchat enquiries were answered.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/mikedixoncab/status/689006875506044928 |title=Mike Dixon on Twitter: ".@CitizensAdvice advisers have now helped 80,000 people through email and webchat this year #CABLive" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2016-01-18 |access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref>

In 2016 Citizens Advice was featured in a [[British Broadcasting Company|BBC]] documentary called ''[[Battling with Benefits]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=BBC One - Battling with Benefits|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b070rym0|url-status=live|access-date=2021-04-27|website=www.bbc.co.uk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160211142415/http://www.bbc.co.uk:80/programmes/b070rym0 |archive-date=11 February 2016 }}</ref> It explored the work of Bridgend Citizens Advice in [[Wales]] and their work on issues such as the [[under occupation penalty|bedroom tax]], Job Seekers' Allowance "sanctions" and appeals for [[Employment Support Allowance]] and [[Personal Independence Payment]] in light of the Conservative Government's cuts to the social security system.

==Aims and principles==

The Citizens Advice service in [[England and Wales]], [[Northern Ireland]], and [[Citizens Advice Scotland|Scotland]] is guided by four principles. These are:

*A free service<ref name="hillingdoncab.org.uk">{{cite web |url=http://www.hillingdoncab.org.uk/ |title=HECA Home |publisher=Hillingdoncab.org.uk |date=2015-10-26 |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>
*Confidentiality<ref name="hillingdoncab.org.uk"/>
*Impartiality<ref name="hillingdoncab.org.uk"/>
*Independence<ref name="hillingdoncab.org.uk"/>

Although an independent and impartial organisation Citizens Advice has a peculiar relationship with Government in that it is dependent upon Government for funding but also acts as a high-profile critic of government policy. At a Citizens Advice conference in 1957 [[Lord Denning]], then [[Lord Justice of Appeal]] described the complex relationship between Citizens Advice and the state describing how Citizens Advice was "supported indeed by the state, but not controlled by it; supported by local authorities but not controlled by them, and, I hope like the law, never to be controlled by any public authority".<ref>{{cite web |author=Margaret E Brasnett |url=http://cab94.tripod.com/partner.htm |title=Story of the Citizens' Advice Bureaux: Partnership |publisher=Cab94.tripod.com |access-date=2016-02-23 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303035539/http://cab94.tripod.com/partner.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.northliverpoolcab.org.uk/documents/Made%20in%20Liverpool.pdf |title=Made in Liverpool: The Story of Liverpool's Citizens Advice Bureaux |access-date=2015-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091308/http://www.northliverpoolcab.org.uk/documents/Made%20in%20Liverpool.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref>

All Citizens Advice Bureaux and workers for the bureaux must adhere to these principles, and bureaux must demonstrate that they adhere to these principles in order to retain membership of the national umbrella bodies. Citizens Advice state that their vision "is that everyone will be able to access free advice to find a way forward".<ref name="citizensadvice2"/> They also state that their "charitable mission is to provide advice that helps people to overcome their problems and come together to campaign on big issues when their voices need to be heard".<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>

==Funding==
[[File:Citizens Advice Funding Sources.png|200px|thumb|left|Citizens Advice funding sources for 2014/2015.<ref name="citizensadvice2"/> The majority of Citizens Advice funding comes from government sources.]]
The trade publication ''[[Third Sector (magazine)|Third Sector]]'' state that around 60% of Citizens Advice funding comes from government sources.<ref name="thirdsector1"/> It has been argued that there is a tension in the relationship between Citizens Advice and government as while the charity relies on government funding to survive it is most effective as a high-profile critic of government policy.<ref>{{cite book|title=Citizens' Advice Bureaux: For the Community, by the Community: Amazon.co.uk: Judith Citron: 9780745302812: Books |id={{ASIN|0745302815|country=uk}} }}</ref> Local bureaux received funding of £167m in 2014.<ref name="thirdsector2"/> Although Citizens Advice is a national charity local bureaux are responsible for raising their own funding.<ref name="theguardian1">{{cite web |author=Jill Insley |url=https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/sep/03/citizens-advice-cuts-threaten-vulnerable |title=Citizens Advice cuts threaten the most vulnerable | Money |work=The Guardian |date=3 September 2011 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> Some of this may come from 'The Big Lottery Fund' which distributes money raised through the National Lottery for 'good causes,' from local authorities or from other services such as the [[Legal Services Commission]].<ref name="theguardian1"/> Citizens Advice suffered cuts during the recession flowing from the [[Global Financial Crisis]] and over 100 Citizens Advice offices have closed or lost as a result of merger since 2009.<ref name="thirdsector1"/> Others resorted to reduced services.<ref>{{cite web |last=Armstrong |first=Jeremy |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/citizens-advice-bureau-funding-squeeze-1755699 |title=Citizens Advice Bureau funding squeeze threatens offices - Mirror Online |publisher=Mirror.co.uk |date=2013-03-11 |access-date=2015-11-25}}</ref> Some Councils have been forced to cut funding for Citizens Advice services<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/public-leaders-network/2016/jan/20/newcastle-citizens-advice-bureau-north-east-council-cuts |title=It will hurt like hell if Newcastle's Citizens Advice bureau shuts down | Public Leaders Network |work=The Guardian |date=2015-02-05 |access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref> and these cuts led to complaints that Citizens Advice was not meeting growing needs for its services during a period of high demand.<ref name="theguardian1"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.itv.com/news/anglia/2012-05-02/citizens-advice-bureaus-funding-drops-as-demand-rises/ |title=Citizens Advice Bureau's funding drops as demand rises | Anglia - ITV News |publisher=Itv.com |date=2012-05-02 |access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref> [[Newcastle upon Tyne|Newcastle]] Citizens Advice faced a threat of closure in 2016 after Newcastle Council proposed large cuts to its funding.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://newcastle.press/index.php/2016/02/13/newcastles-citizens-advice-bureau-given-a-respite-as-council-announces-30m-of-revised-budget-cuts/ |title=Newcastle's Citizens Advice Bureau given a respite as council announces £30m of revised budget cuts |access-date=2016-03-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306024626/http://newcastle.press/index.php/2016/02/13/newcastles-citizens-advice-bureau-given-a-respite-as-council-announces-30m-of-revised-budget-cuts/ |archive-date=2016-03-06 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In February 2016, Derby City Council decided that it would no longer fund the city's Citizens Advice, leaving [[Derby]] as the only city in the UK not to have a Citizens Advice Service, according to its CEO.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/Cuts-leave-Derby-8216-city-country-Citizens/story-28711301-detail/story.html|title=Cuts leave Derby the 'only city in the country without Citizens Advice Bureau'|date=2016-02-10|access-date=2016-03-03}}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Both Citizens Advice and [[Citizens Advice Scotland]] are registered [[Charitable organizations|charities]] and are financed partly by the [[Department for Business, Innovation and Skills]], although both organisations are completely independent of central government. Member bureaux also pay heavily subsidised subscriptions for the services offered. They often receive significant funding by local authorities, and local solicitors may agree to provide limited legal advice [[pro bono publico|pro bono]]. In 2013 the then Consumer Minister [[Jo Swinson]] announced a further £9.5m in order for the charity to champion consumer work<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/9-5-million-of-new-funding-for-citizens-advice-service-to-champion-consumer-work |title=£9.5 million of new funding for Citizens Advice Service to champion consumer work - Press releases |publisher=GOV.UK |date=2013-03-22 |access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref> and in 2015 [[Martin Lewis (financial journalist)|Martin Lewis]] founder of [[Money Saving Expert]] donated £1m to Citizens Advice.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/site/2015/10/moneysavingexpertcom-earnout-payment-announced-today |title=earnout payment announced today |publisher=Moneysavingexpert.com |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/money-saving-expert-martin-lewis-gifts-1-million-to-citizens-advice/ |title=Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis gifts £1 million to |publisher=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> In 2016 it was announced that the money Martin Lewis donated would be used to create a fund called the 'Martin Lewis Fund' and this money would be used to improve front line services.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blog.moneysavingexpert.com/2016/06/10/new-citizens-advice-innovation-the-martin-lewis-fund-launches-gulp/|title=Citizens Advice launches the (gulp) 'Martin Lewis Fund' - Martin Lewis' Blog...|website=moneysavingexpert.com|date=10 June 2016}}</ref>

==Advicework==
Citizens Advice service's work involves providing advice on issues such as [[debt]] management and [[Welfare state in the United Kingdom|welfare benefits]], [[housing]], [[immigration]], [[United Kingdom labour law|employment]], consumer complaints and [[landlord]]-[[Leasehold estate|tenant]] disputes. Citizens Advice calculated that in 2016 it helped 2.7 million people with 6.3 million problems.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/all-our-impact/|title=wins Charity of the Year 2015|work=Citizens Advice|access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref> There were also 48 million visits to their digital service.

Advice is available in the bureaux, but also in community venues, in people's homes, by [[phone]],<ref name="citizensadvice7">{{cite web|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/corporate/citizens-advice-introduction-to-the-service-2012-13.pdf|title=Citizens Advice - Introduction to the service|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> by [[e-mail]] and [[online]] both via a Webchat service<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice/ |title=Our advice for you |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref> and the Citizens Advice public site known as "Advice Guide".<ref name="citizensadvice6"/> Figures from 2016 show that Citizens Advice has around 600 staff members in GP surgeries.<ref name="managementinpractice1">{{cite web |author=Alison Moore |url=http://www.managementinpractice.com/featured-articles/supporting-social-issues |title=Supporting social issues |publisher=Management in Practice |date=2016-02-08 |access-date=2016-02-23}}</ref>

Telephone advice also known as Adviceline can be accessed in [[English language|English]] and a bilingual service in [[Wales]].<ref name="citizensadvice7"/>
One Citizens Advice page shows in real time what individuals are searching for on the website, what searches from the search engine [[Google]] caused an individual to reach the Citizens Advice page and what Citizens Advice [[website]] content is most popular.<ref>{{cite news |author=Andrew Griffin |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/citizens-advice-bureau-offers-live-insight-into-british-life-9902940.html |title=Citizens Advice Bureau offers live insight into British life | Home News | News |work=The Independent |date=2014-12-04 |access-date=2015-11-05 |archive-date=26 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170926041858/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/citizens-advice-bureau-offers-live-insight-into-british-life-9902940.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://display-screen.citizensadvice.org.uk/ |title=Citizens Advice Dashboard |publisher=Display-screen.citizensadvice.org.uk |access-date=2015-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126053700/https://display-screen.citizensadvice.org.uk/ |archive-date=2015-11-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Citizens Advice also runs a consumer helpline to help with consumer issues.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/get-more-help/if-you-need-more-help-about-a-consumer-issue/ |title=Contact the consumer helpline |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref> The most popular areas of enquiry are [[benefit (social welfare)|benefit]]s and [[debt]] with [[housing]] the third most popular enquiry area. Each Citizens Advice office operates differently. Some will have specialist staff that deal with certain cases such as debt or housing. Some operate a 'Gateway' system which means clients are booked for advice at a later appointment and other Citizens Advice offer 'drop in' Generalist Advice sessions. At some Citizens Advice offices [[solicitor]]s may offer short appointments on a ''[[pro bono]]'' basis as a way of gaining clients.

Citizens Advice has a number of advice partnerships with organisations<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice-partnerships/ |title=Advice partnerships |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-24}}</ref> in areas including money<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice-partnerships/money-advice-services/ |title=Money advice services |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice-partnerships/money-advice-service-in-wales/ |title=Money Advice Service in Wales |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref> and partnership with [[Macmillan Cancer Support|Macmillan]] to help those affected by [[cancer]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice-partnerships/cancer-support-service/ |title=Cancer support service |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05}}</ref> Citizens Advice has a partnership with the housing advice [[Charitable organisation|charity]] [[Shelter (charity)|Shelter]] called the [[National Homelessness Advice Service]] which is able to offer advisers specialist [[housing]] and [[homelessness]] advice.<ref name="citizensadvice1">{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice-partnerships/national-homelessness-advice-service/ |title=National homelessness advice service |publisher=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208044714/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/advice-partnerships/national-homelessness-advice-service/ |archive-date=2015-12-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The partnership is funded by the [[Department for Communities and Local Government]].<ref name="citizensadvice1"/> From 2015 Citizens Advice offices have been used to deliver [[Pension Wise]] guidance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/citizens-advice-to-deliver-pension-wise-from-more-than-500-locations/ |title=to deliver Pension Wise from more than 500 locations |work=Citizens Advice |date=2015-03-09 |access-date=2015-10-24}}</ref> Citizens Advice research shows that 25% of those who visit for a Pension Wise appointment go on to ask Citizens Advice for further advice on debts, benefits or tax.<ref>Citizens Advice Annual Report and Accounts 2015/16: Trustees’ Report, p. 15</ref>

Citizens Advice also engages in preventative work in order to prevent problems arising in the first place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/our-prevention-work/ |title=Our prevention work |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref> Citizens Advice is the Government-funded provider of consumer education in Great Britain.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/our-prevention-work/citizens-advice-consumer-education/ |title=consumer education |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> There are 11 Consumer Empowerment Partnerships that work closely with [[Trading Standards]]. A financial capability agenda helps people to manage their money so as to not develop money problems in the first place.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/our-prevention-work/financial-skills-for-life/About-Financial-Skills-for-Life/ |title=About Financial Skills for Life |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> Citizens Advice also produces education resources to improve financial capability and consumer education.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/our-prevention-work/education/ |title=education resources |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/our-prevention-work/education/education-resources/education-resources/ |title=Consumer education resources |work=Citizens Advice |date=2015-10-01 |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-we-provide-advice/our-prevention-work/education/education-resources/financial-capability-resources/ |title=Financial capability resources |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref> A Partnerships Intelligence Team works in order to support the work of [[List of regulators in the United Kingdom|regulators]]. One example of this is research on [[continuous payment authority|continuous payment authorities]] in order to help the [[Financial Conduct Authority]] better regulate them.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/IntelCAB/status/656066175370153984 |title=Partnership Intel on Twitter: "we're off to @TheFCA to show them emerging findings from our research on CPAs #CABLive" |publisher=Twitter.com |date=2015-10-19 |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref>

==Research and campaigns==
The Citizens Advice service, both locally and nationally, also uses clients' problems as evidence to influence policy makers to review laws or administrative practices which cause undue difficulties to clients, in a process referred to as "Social Policy". At a national level Citizens Advice engages in policy research in order to recommend policy changes.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/ |title=Our policy research work |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-24}}</ref> Current research areas include mental health<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/health-and-care-policy-research/public-services-policy-research/joining-the-dots-integrating-practical-support-in-mental-healthcare-settings-in-england/|title=Joining the dots: Integrating practical support in mental healthcare settings in England|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-GB}}</ref> domestic abuse,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/domestic-abuse-empowering-victims/ |archive-url=https://www.webarchive.org.uk/wayback/archive/20150827132851/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/domestic-abuse-empowering-victims/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2015-08-27 |title=Empowering victims of domestic abuse |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05 }}</ref> problems in the private rented sector,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/private-renters/ |title=Private renters |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907084052/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/private-renters/ |archive-date=2015-09-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref> welfare,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/welfare-policy-research/|title=Welfare policy research|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> work,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/work-policy-research/|title=Work policy research|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> pensions,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/pensions-policy-research/|title=Pensions policy research|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> energy policy<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/energy-policy-research/|title=Energy policy research|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> and the postal service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/post-policy-research/|title=Post policy research|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref>

A public affairs team works to influence Government both in [[Westminster]] and the devolved institutions. There is also a Citizens Advice All-Party Parliamentary Group that provides a forum for Members of Parliament who are interested in the work of Citizens Advice.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/parliament/ |title=and working with Parliament |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-24}}</ref> Citizens Advice produces constituency data that can be used by Parliamentarians to improve how they complete their own case work. Advice Trends data is published at a national and local level.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/advice-trends/ |title=Advice trends |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-10-24}}</ref> Consumer Advice Trends data is also published<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/advice-trends/consumer-advice-trends-201415/ |title=Consumer advice trends 2014/15 |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/advice-trends/consumer-advice-trends-201516/ |title=Consumer Advice Trends 2015/16 |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-05 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> as is data for Wales alone<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/citizens-advice-cymru-wales-policy-research/advice-trends-in-wales-2014-15/ |title=Advice trends in Wales 2014-15 - Client statistics of the Citizens Advice service in Wales |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306210721/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/citizens-advice-cymru-wales-policy-research/advice-trends-in-wales-2014-15/ |archive-date=2016-03-06 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> and data on the performance of energy suppliers and the postal service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/citizens-advice-consumer-work/supplier-performance/|title=Consumer supplier performance|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref>

Current campaigns include:
*Settled and safe: a renter's right<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/settled-and-safe-a-renters-right-campaign/ |title=Settled and safe: a renter's right campaign |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>
*Talk about abuse<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/talk-about-abuse-campaign/ |title=Talk about abuse campaign |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>
*Secure self-employment<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/secure-self-employment/ |title=Secure self-employment |work=Citizens Advice|access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>
*Know your New Rights<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/know-your-new-rights |title=Know your New Rights |work=Citizens Advice |access-date=2015-11-01}}</ref>
*Big Energy Saving Week 2015<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/big-energy-saving-week/|title=Big Energy Saving Week 2018|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref>
*Mad about the ad<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/mad-about-the-ad-campaign/ |title=Mad about the ad campaign |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160307123242/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/current_campaigns/mad-about-the-ad-campaign/ |archive-date=2016-03-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*Mental Health<ref name="auto">{{cite news|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/mental-health-staff-increasingly-dealing-with-vicious-cycle-of-patients-wider-problems-during-clinical-time/|title=Mental health staff increasingly dealing with 'vicious cycle' of patients' wider problems during clinical time|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-GB}}</ref>
*Universal Credit <ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/policy/policy-research-topics/welfare-policy-research-surveys-and-consultation-responses/welfare-policy-research/fixing-universal-credit/|title=Fixing Universal Credit|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-GB}}</ref>

==Impact==
Citizens Advice measures the [[wikt:impact|impact]] of its advice across a range of areas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/impact-of-advice/|title=Impact of our advice, support and education|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/understanding-what-works/|title=Understanding what works|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> Citizens Advice research has calculated that for every £1 spent on the Citizens Advice service the Government saves £1.96<ref name="citizensadvice.org.uk">{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/all-our-impact/|title=All our impact|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> and £8.74 in wider economic and social benefits and £11.98 in benefit to individuals.<ref name="citizensadvice.org.uk"/>
Research shows that Citizens Advice affects the most disadvantaged in society with Citizens Advice clients five times more likely to live in [[poverty]] than the average member of the [[United Kingdom]] population.<ref name="citizensadvice.org.uk"/> Citizen Advice's own research has also shown that [[volunteering]] has positive benefits in terms of helping people gain practical skills and improving [[mental health]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/impact-of-our-social-value/ |title=Impact of our social value |access-date=2015-11-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125061846/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/impact-of-our-social-value/ |archive-date=2015-11-25 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> Each year 31% of Citizens Advice's volunteers leave the service for paid employment and it has been calculated that the work of Citizens Advice volunteers is worth £111 million.<ref>Citizens Advice (2015) ''The value of the Citizens Advice service: Our Impact in 2014/15'', self-published report, p. 28</ref> Citizens Advice's campaigns work has had a number of successes including the [[Financial Conduct Authority]] capping [[payday loans]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/campaigns/campaign-successes/|title=Citizens Advice campaign successes|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> A [[Twitter]] [[hashtag]] #CABlive is used to publicise the work of Citizens Advice on [[social media]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://dagcas.org/tag/cablive/ |title=#CABLive |access-date=2015-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151125101230/https://dagcas.org/tag/cablive/ |archive-date=2015-11-25 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref>

== Advice and health improvement ==
Research conducted in 2016 found that 4 in 5 of Citizens Advice clients felt stressed, depressed or anxious and 3 in 5 clients felt their physical health had become worse as a result of their practical problem.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/media/press-releases/people-with-poor-mental-health-twice-as-likely-to-be-behind-on-bills/|title=People with poor mental health twice as likely to be behind on bills|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-GB}}</ref>

There is a growing body of evidence which shows that tackling practical problems through advice improves health and wellbeing. National Citizens Advice Impact research reports that 70% of clients said they felt less stressed and 46% said their physical health improve after advice. Of Citizens Advice clients experiencing long-term conditions, 57% said they were better able to manage their condition.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/difference-we-make/impact-of-citizens-advice-service/all-our-impact/|title=All our impact|access-date=2018-03-08|language=en-GB}}</ref>

Citizens Advice has also investigated the impact that practical problems have on health professional's time. The research report "A Very General Practice" estimates that 19% of GP appointments are spent dealing with non-clinical problems. 98% of IAPT practitioners that responded to Citizens Advice research reported that they had dealt with a patient's non-health problems during an appointment in the past month and 57% reported the proportion of time they spend on non-health issues has increased compared to last year.<ref name="auto"/>

In 2016 Citizens Advice was appointed to the National Health and Wellbeing Alliance.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.england.nhs.uk/hwalliance/|title=NHS England » Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) Health and Wellbeing Alliance|last=England|first=NHS|website=www.england.nhs.uk|language=en-US|access-date=2018-03-08}}</ref> Working with the Department of Health, NHS England, Public Health England and the 23 members of the Alliance, Citizens Advice uses its data and evidence to reduce health inequalities, which is one of the key aims of the Alliance.

==Governance==

A Trustee Board provides strategic direction and vision for the organisation.<ref>Citizens Advice Annual Report 2014/2015, p. 33</ref> The Chief Executive working with the Executive Team is responsible for delivering the board's vision.

Below the Trustee Board a number of committees exist:

*Chair's Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Audit Risk Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Equality Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Cymru Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Trustee Recruitment Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Membership and Standards Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Remuneration Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>
*Technology Committee<ref name="citizensadvice2"/>

==Organisation==
The Citizens Advice service is one of the largest [[volunteering|volunteer organisation]]s in the [[United Kingdom]] with 21,600 volunteers. The majority of these are part-time volunteer [[advisers]], but the figure also includes [[trustees]] and [[Public administration|administrators]]. While volunteers have varying levels of training, they are all required to receive basic training to ensure they fully understand the nature of the service including the four basic principles. Typically there will be a paid bureau manager, some paid advice session supervisors and in some cases some paid advisers. Some staff may be qualified to give specialist [[legal]] advice or to advise on [[immigration]]. Each Citizens Advice is an affiliated to the national organisation but they are managed and run locally.<ref>Gillespie, A. and Weare, S. (2015) ''The English Legal System'', 5th edition, Oxford: Oxford University Press, p. 343</ref> Many bureaux are also [[limited company|limited companies]] and may have a board of directors, who will also be the organisation's trustees. Bureaux throughout the [[United Kingdom]] have varying community needs and very different resources, and consequently offer different styles and levels of service. All bureaux in [[England]], [[Wales]] and [[Northern Ireland]] are members of Citizens Advice, the operating name of The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. [[Northern Ireland]] bureaux are also members of the Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NIACAB). Bureaux in [[Scotland]] are members of [[Citizens Advice Scotland]] (CAS), part of the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux. Citizens Advice holds an Annual Conference each year.<ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/citizens-advice-service-annual-conference/ |title=Citizens Advice service annual conference |access-date=2015-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151121220245/https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/citizens-advice-service-annual-conference/ |archive-date=2015-11-21 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref> In 2015 this was held at the [[University of Warwick]].<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland act as umbrella bodies for the bureaux in the UK. They provide access to information, [[training]] courses and consultancy services for all bureaux, and regularly audit individual bureaux against the requirements of their respective membership standards. All bureaux try to ensure their services are accessible to all sections of the community, so that provision can be made for the housebound, immigrant communities, rural inhabitants, elderly and disabled as appropriate. Membership of Citizens Advice gives each bureau access to the national information portal, known as AdviserNet and to internet access provided through a [[Virtual Private Network]]. Information on clients' problems and the advice offered to them is entered into the ''Casebook'' national database. Its predecessor system was ''Petra'' and before that '' CASE''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://alphablog.citizensadvice.org.uk/2014/08/the-future-of-digital-services-at-citizens-advice-including-petra/ |title=The future of digital services at Citizens Advice (including Petra) |access-date=2015-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151126110039/http://alphablog.citizensadvice.org.uk/2014/08/the-future-of-digital-services-at-citizens-advice-including-petra/ |archive-date=2015-11-26 |url-status=dead |language=en}}</ref>

Citizens Advice has a number of diversity groups known as Self Organised Network Groups (SONGs). These include:{{citation needed|date=November 2019}}

*National Black Workers' Group
*National Disabled Workers' Group
*National Lesbian Gay and Bisexual Group
*National Women's Group

===Citizens Advice Scotland===
{{main|Citizens Advice Scotland}}
[[Image:Leith_Bureau_2015.png|right|thumb|300px|Leith Citizens Advice (pictured) is one of 61 local Citizens Advice offices serving [[Scotland]].]]
Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), formally the '''Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux''' (SACAB), is a [[Scottish charity|registered]] [[Charitable organisation|charity]]. Based in Edinburgh it comprises 61 member bureaux, including a national helpline ([http://www.citizensadvicedirect.org.uk Citizens Advice Direct]). Together these free local and national services provide legal advice, practical help and information on consumer and political rights across the country. CAS provides central support to local bureaux with management, research, fundraising, IT support, training and campaigning. CAS launched a national helpline in 2005, called Citizens Advice Direct, staff were based in Glasgow city centre.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4097676.stm |title=Call centre answers CAB worries |work=[[BBC News]] |date=16 June 2005}}</ref>

In 2012 a study showed that most of CAS's activity was the provision of advice across five areas: benefits, debt, employment, housing and relationship.<ref>{{cite report|url=http://www.cas.org.uk/system/files/publications/The%20financial%20benefits%20of%20advice%20provision%20the%20example%20of%20the%20Citizens%20Advice%20Service%20in%20Scotland.pdf |title=The financial benefits of advice provision – the example of the Citizens Advice Service in Scotland |publisher=[[University of Strathclyde]] |date=November 2012}}</ref> In 2012, there were concerns that five of the bureaux in Glasgow might close, however they remained open after accepting a new funding offer.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/reprieve-five-glasgow-citizen-advice-bureaux/finance/article/1122765 |title=Reprieve for five Glasgow citizen advice bureaux |first=David |last=Ainsworth |work=Third Force News |date=19 March 2012 |access-date=12 December 2015}}</ref> CAS has been registered as a charity since 3 August 1984, currently registered as a charitable company with the [[Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator]] (OSCR), Scottish charity number SC 016637.<ref>{{cite web |title=Search OSCR: Charity Details: Citizens Advice Scotland, SC016637 |url=http://www.oscr.org.uk/search-oscr/charity-details?number=SC016637 |publisher=[[Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator|Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR)]] |access-date=12 December 2015}}</ref> According to 2016 statistics Citizens Advice Scotland helped 300,000 clients<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thenational.scot/comment/shona-craven-citizens-advice-scotlands-success-is-proof-of-systems-failings.24093|title=Shona Craven: Citizens Advice Scotland's 'success' is proof of system's failings|website=The National}}</ref> and put £120 million into the pockets of people seeking help in 2015/16 and help reduce the amount owed by those seeking debt advice by £27 million.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://money.aol.co.uk/2016/10/27/citizens-advice-helps-put-a-120m-into-pockets-of-scots/|title=Citizens Advice helps put £120m into pockets of Scots - AOL|website=money.aol.co.uk|access-date=2016-10-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161101041026/http://money.aol.co.uk/2016/10/27/citizens-advice-helps-put-a-120m-into-pockets-of-scots/|archive-date=2016-11-01|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Citizens Advice Northern Ireland===
Citizens Advice Northern Ireland are now known as Community Advice. It is [[Northern Ireland]]'s largest advice charity. There are advice services covering each Council area.<ref name="communityni.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.communityni.org/organisation/northern-ireland-citizens-advice-bureau#.VsxyNtCE9sk|title=Home - CommunityNI|website=www.communityni.org|access-date=2016-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312061549/http://www.communityni.org/organisation/northern-ireland-citizens-advice-bureau#.VsxyNtCE9sk#.VsxyNtCE9sk|archive-date=2016-03-12|url-status=dead}}</ref> In Northern Ireland Citizens Advice advises over 95,000 people per year.<ref name="communityni.org"/>

===Citizens Advice Cymru===
In [[Wales]] Citizens Advice Cymru has a network of 20 bureaux giving advice at 375 locations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/how-citizens-advice-works/who-we-are-and-what-we-do/annual-reports/citizens-advice-cymru-annual-review/|title=Citizens Advice Cymru annual review|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref> According to the latest available statistics (2013/14) these bureau advised 134,000 clients and dealt with 337,000 advice issues. The Adviceline telephone service is bilingual and is able to offer advice in both English and [[Welsh language|Welsh]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/Global/Migrated_Documents/corporate/wales-annual-report-english-14.pdf|title=Citizens Advice Cymru - Annual review 2013/14|website=citizensadvice.org.uk}}</ref>

==In other nations==
{{main|Citizens Advice outside the United Kingdom}}
Organisations modelled on Citizens Advice have been created in other [[nations]] outside of the [[United Kingdom]]. All of these organisations are autonomous and are not in any way controlled by the British organisation although some have adopted the branding of the British Citizens Advice. The Citizens Advice Bureau serving [[Western Australia]] has 10 branches of Citizens Advice Bureau and uses the same branding as the British charity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cabwa.com.au/about-us/branches |title=Citizens Advice Bureau - Branches |publisher=Cabwa.com.au |access-date=2015-10-31}}</ref> [[New Zealand]] has over 80 Citizens Advice Bureau branches throughout the [[North Island|North]] and [[South Island]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cab.org.nz/aboutus/oh/Pages/home.aspx|title=Our history|website=www.cab.org.nz|access-date=25 October 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150821074900/http://www.cab.org.nz/aboutus/oh/Pages/home.aspx|archive-date=21 August 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> There is also a [[Spain|Spanish]] Citizens Advice Bureau organisation aimed at helping British expats in Spain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://citizensadvice.org.es/|title=CAB Spain|website=citizensadvice.org.es}}</ref> and a [[Gibraltan]] Citizens Advice Bureau.<ref name="cab.gi"/> An unrelated organisation [[Citizens Advice International]] was established in 2004 to promote free advice services<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zbpo.org.pl/page/en/|title=Strony nie znaleziono - Związek Biuro Porad Obywatelskich|website=Związek Biuro Porad Obywatelskich|access-date=8 November 2015|archive-date=28 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928051158/http://www.zbpo.org.pl/page/en/|url-status=dead}}</ref> and to promote Citizens Advice organisations throughout the world.<ref>{{cite report |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/225906/05_Citizens_Advice_Annual_Report_and_Account_2011-12.pdf |title=Citizens Advice Annual report and accounts 2011/12 |date=2012 |language=en}}</ref>

==See also==

*[[Citizens Advice outside the United Kingdom]]
*[[Law Centre]]
*[[Money Advice Service]]

==Notes and references==
;Notes
{{Reflist|group="n"}}
;References
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
* Citron, J. (1989) ''[http://www.abebooks.co.uk/Citizens-Advice-Bureaux-Community-Citron-Judith/16125127225/bd Citizens Advice Bureaux: For the Community, By the Community]'', Pluto Press. {{ISBN|9780745302812}}
*Richards, J. (1988) ''Inform, Advise and Support: Fifty Years of the Citizens' Advice Bureau'', {{ISBN|0718827538}}
*Brasnett, M. (1964) ''The Story of the Citizens' Advice Bureaux'' (ASIN: B0010X9XEA)

==External links==
{{Commons category|Citizens Advice}}
*[http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk Citizens Advice (England and Wales) ]
*[http://www.cas.org.uk Citizens Advice Scotland]
*[http://www.citizensadvice.co.uk Citizens Advice Northern Ireland]
*[http://www.adviceguide.org.uk Citizens Advice Guide]

{{Citizens Advice}}
{{Consumer protection}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Citizens Advice| ]]
[[Category:1939 establishments in the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1939]]
[[Category:Charities based in London]]
[[Category:Consumer protection in the United Kingdom]]

Old Town Hall, Banbridge

2023-06-22T13:29:05Z

91.84.12.37:

{{short description|Municipal Building in Banbridge, Northern Ireland}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2022}}
{{Use British English|date=April 2022}}
{{Infobox historic site
| name =Old Town Hall, Banbridge
| native_name =
| image = Tourist Information Centre, Banbridge (geograph 3816624).jpg
| caption= Old Town Hall, Banbridge
| locmapin =Northern Ireland
| map_caption =Shown in Northern Ireland
| coordinates ={{coord|54.3489|N|6.2703|W|type:landmark_region:GB|display=inline,title}}
| location =Scarva Street, [[Banbridge]]
| area =
| built =1834
| architect = Michael McGavigan
| architecture =[[Neoclassical architecture|Neoclassical style]]
| designation1 =Grade B1 Listed Building
| designation1_offname = Market Hall
| designation1_date =25 October 1977
| designation1_number = HB 17/06/009
| website=
}}
The '''Old Town Hall''' is a municipal structure in Scarva Street in [[Banbridge]], [[County Down]], Northern Ireland. The structure, which is currently a tourist information office, is a Grade B1 [[listed building]].<ref name=listed>{{cite web|url=https://apps.communities-ni.gov.uk/Buildings/buildview.aspx?id=2049&js=false|title=Market Hall (HB 17/06/009)|publisher=Department for Communities|access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref>

==History==
The current building was commissioned to replace an earlier market hall which was demolished to facilitate the construction of "The Cut", an underpass on the main road between [[Newry]] and [[Belfast]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apps.communities-ni.gov.uk/Buildings/buildview.aspx?id=8289&js=true |title=Bridge and retaining walls (HB 17/06/010)|publisher=Department for Communities|access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref> The [[Arthur Hill, 3rd Marquess of Downshire|Marquess of Downshire]] agreed to pay for a new building<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=T2HWDwAAQBAJ&pg=PT131 |title=Banbridge: The Star of County Down|first=Doreen|last=McBride|publisher=THP Ireland|year=2020|isbn= 978-0750990936}}</ref> and civic leaders selected a site, just to the northwest of the old building, which had been occupied by the Bunch of Grapes Inn.<ref name=leader>{{cite news|url=https://www.banbridgeleader.co.uk/news/old-town-hall-re-opened-2749136 |title=Old Town Hall is re-opened|date=20 June 2012|newspaper=Banbridge Leader| access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref>

The new building was designed by Michael McGavigan in the [[Neoclassical architecture|neoclassical style]], built in rough stone at a cost of £2,000 and was completed in 1834.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=srE4AQAAMAAJ&pg=PA169 |title= A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland|first=Samuel|last=Lewis|year=1849|publisher=S. Lewis & Co}}</ref> It was arcaded on the ground floor, so that markets could be held, with an assembly hall on the first floor. The design involved a symmetrical main frontage with three bays facing onto Bridge Street; the arched openings on the ground floor containing [[wrought-iron]] grills and there were round-headed [[sash window]]s on the first floor; the central bay, which slightly projected forward, featured a [[sandstone]] [[parapet]] bearing the Downshire [[coat of arms]] and the year of completion.<ref name=listed/> There was a clock [[Turret (architecture)|turret]] at roof level.<ref name=listed/>

The area was advanced to the status of an [[Urban district (Great Britain and Ireland)|urban district]] with the town hall as its headquarters in 1899.<ref>{{cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/handbookoflocalg00clan |title=A handbook of local government in Ireland; containing an explanatory introduction to the Local Government (Ireland) Act, 1898 : together with the text of the act, the orders in Council, and the rules made thereunder relating to county council, rural district council, and guardian's elections : with an index |date=1899 |first=John Joseph |last=Clancy |author-link=J. J. Clancy (North Dublin MP) |location=Dublin |publisher=Sealy, Bryers and Walker |page=441 }}</ref> The town hall continued to serve as the meeting place of Banbridge Urban District Council for much of the 20th century but ceased to be the local seat of government when the enlarged [[Banbridge District Council]] was established at Avonmore House in Church Square shortly after it was formed in 1973.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.legislation.gov.uk/apni/1972/9/contents |title= Local Government Act (Northern Ireland) 1972|publisher=Legislation.co.uk| access-date=4 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{London Gazette|issue=3656|page=235|date=16 March 1979|city=B}}</ref> The town hall was subsequently converted for use as the local Electricity Board offices and then became the local offices of [[Citizens Advice]].<ref name=leader/> The building was badly damaged on 15 March 1982, when a [[Provisional Irish Republican Army]] bomb was detonated on Bridge Street killing a schoolboy and injuring 36 people,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.upi.com/Archives/1982/03/16/An-IRA-bomb-blitz-killed-a-schoolboy-and-injured/2812385102800/|title=An IRA bomb blitz killed a schoolboy and injured...|newspaper=UPI|date=16 March 1982 |access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref> and was harmed a second time on 1 August 1998, when a [[Real Irish Republican Army]] bomb was detonated on Newry Street, injuring 33 civilians and two [[Royal Ulster Constabulary]] officers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/events/northern_ireland/latest_news/143814.stm|title=Arson attacks follow bombing|newspaper=BBC|date=2 August 1998 |access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref>

A programme of refurbishment works costing £126,000, which included the installation of a modern heating and power system and the replacement of the roof, was completed in 2012.<ref name=leader/> The building was subsequently re-opened as the local tourist information office but with a meeting room available on the first floor for the use local community groups including the Banbridge Historical Society. The main office is now used by Community Advice Banbridge (Formerly known as Citizens Advice).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.banbridgeleader.co.uk/news/historical-society-move-2735552|title=Historical Society on the move|date= 8 September 2012|newspaper=Banbridge Leader| access-date=16 July 2021}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Government buildings in Northern Ireland}}

[[Category:Government buildings completed in 1834]]
[[Category:City and town halls in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Buildings and structures in County Down]]
[[Category:Grade B1 listed buildings]]
[[Category:Banbridge]]

Newry City A.F.C.

2022-08-19T08:23:32Z

91.84.12.37: /* Current squad */

{{short description|Association football club in Northern Ireland}}
{{about|the club founded in 2013|the club founded in 1918 and dissolved in 2012|Newry City F.C.}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2020}}
{{Use Hiberno-English|date=November 2020}}
{{Infobox football club
| clubname = Newry City
| image = Newry_City_A.F.C.png
| fullname = Newry City Athletic Football Club
| nickname = City
| founded = 2013
| dissolved =
| ground = [[The Showgrounds (Newry)|The Showgrounds]], [[Newry]]
| capacity = 2,275 (1,080 seated)
| chairman = Martin McLoughlin
| manager = Darren Mullen
| league = [[NIFL Premiership]]
| season = [[2021–22 NIFL Championship|2021–22]]
| position = 1st (Champion)
| current = 2021–22 NIFL Championship
| sponsors =
| pattern_la1 =
| pattern_b1 = _whitestripes
| pattern_ra1 =
| pattern_sh1 =
| pattern_so1 = _whitestripes
| leftarm1 = 1843ba
| body1 = 1843ba
| rightarm1 = 1843ba
| shorts1 = 1843ba
| socks1 = 1843ba
}}

'''Newry City Athletic Football Club''' are a semi-professional [[Northern Ireland|Northern Irish]] [[association football|football]] club who play in the [[NIFL Premiership]]. They are based in [[Newry]], [[County Down]] and play at the [[The Showgrounds (Newry)|Showgrounds]]. The club's colours are blue and white striped jerseys with blue shorts.

The club was created in 2013 after the city's former semi-professional club, [[Newry City F.C.]] was dissolved in September 2012, when a winding-up petition brought against the club by former player and manager Gerry Flynn was granted, and the club decided not to appeal the decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13199193|title=Newry City 0-4 Glenavon|date=26 April 2011|work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=30 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="woundup">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19679330|title=Irish FA suspends Newry City after club is wound up|date=21 September 2012|work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=22 September 2012}}</ref><ref name="expelled">{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19763430|title=Newry City's membership of the IFA is terminated|date=28 September 2012|work=[[BBC Sport]]|access-date=28 September 2012}}</ref> This led to the majority of Newry City's players leaving for [[Warrenpoint Town F.C.|Warrenpoint Town]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/local/newry-old-boys-out-to-make-point-29013615.html |title=Newry old boys out to make point |newspaper=Belfasttelegraph |publisher=Belfast Telegraph |date=12 January 2013 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> The new club, wearing the same colours and having the same home as its predecessor, is regarded as a [[phoenix club (sports)|phoenix club]], but has, and claims, no legal connection to the former club business.

==History==
===Foundation===
After the winding-up of Newry City F.C., discussions to form a new club began in December 2012. In February 2013, it was clarified that Newry City A.F.C. would be a new club and would not be liable for any debt owed by Newry City F.C.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://destinationnewry.com/newry-city-fc-to-be-relaunched/ |title=Newry City FC to be relaunched |publisher=Destination Newry |date=25 February 2013 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> There were discussions for the club to join the [[Republic of Ireland]]'s [[League of Ireland]], however the [[Irish Football Association]] said that they would block any attempt for Newry City to join the League of Ireland.<ref name=vid /> Newry City A.F.C. uses the old club's stadium, the Showgrounds, which is owned by Newry City F.C.'s season-ticket holders.<ref name=vid /> This meant that it was not sold when Newry City F.C. was wound up.<ref name=vid>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20244023 |title=What does future hold for football in Newry? |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 November 2012 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref>

Despite initial plans for the club to be named ''"Newry City 2012"'',<ref name=bbc>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20595254 |title=Newry City poised to make comeback after being wound-up |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 December 2012 |access-date=9 March 2013}}</ref> Newry City A.F.C. was officially launched by former Newry Town player Ollie Ralph on 7 March 2013, and it was announced that they would seek to join the [[Irish Football Association]],<ref name="expelled" /> and play in the Intermediate B division of the [[Mid-Ulster Football League]] in the 2013–14 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.u.tv/Sport/Newry-launches-new-football-club/55c5e5cf-2400-445f-8f11-7601c6ae0953 |title=Newry launches new football club |publisher=UTV |date=8 March 2013 |access-date=9 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130311154639/http://www.u.tv/Sport/Newry-launches-new-football-club/55c5e5cf-2400-445f-8f11-7601c6ae0953 |archive-date=11 March 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://newrytimes.com/2013/03/09/newry-city-afc-officially-launched/ |title=Delight as Newry City AFC officially launched |publisher=Newry Times |date=9 March 2013 |access-date=10 March 2013}}</ref> [[Northern Ireland national football team|Northern Ireland]] manager [[Michael O'Neill (footballer)|Michael O'Neill]] was originally scheduled to take part in the club's launch, but was unable to attend.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newrycityafc.co.uk/?p=218 |title=Official NCAFC Launch this Thursday |publisher=newrycityafc.co.uk |date=5 March 2013 |access-date=17 March 2013}}</ref>

===Junior football from 2013===
In July 2013, the club was accepted as a member of the [[Mid-Ulster Football League]] Intermediate B division for the 2013–14 season - the fifth tier of football in Northern Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newrycityafc.co.uk/?p=922|title=City accepted into Mid Ulster Intermediate B league|date=5 July 2013|publisher=newrycityafc.co.uk|access-date=3 August 2013}}</ref> They won the division in their first season, gaining immediate promotion to Intermediate A (the fourth tier), which in turn they won in 2015-16 after two seasons, earning promotion to the [[NIFL Premier Intermediate League]] (the third tier).<ref>[http://www.newrydemocrat.com/articles/sports/52288/newry-city-are-champions/ Newry Democrat]</ref> In their first season in their division, the club were runners up, qualifying for the NIFL Championship Play-Off. Over two legs, the team beat [[Armagh City F.C.|Armagh City]] 7-2 on aggregate to earn promotion to the NIFL Championship for the 2017-2018 season, a third promotion in four years, and confirming the return of senior league football to the city for the first time since 2011.

===Senior football from 2017===
The club's rise was completed in the following season, as the runners-up spot in the 2017-18 Championship, and a 6-3 aggregate win over [[Carrick Rangers]] in the NIFL Premiership Promotion-Relegation play-off saw the team reach the NIFL Premiership for the first time since its foundation, and top tier football return to the city for the first time since 2011. Relegated to the NIFL Championship the following season (2018-2019), Newry City AFC remained in the Championship during the COVID affected seasons 2019-20, and 2020–21, before earning promotion back to the Premiership, winning the Championship by six points in 2021-22. The [[NIFL Championship]] was the club's first senior title since its formation.

<ref>{{cite web|url= https://twitter.com/newrycityafc/status/1341463426758021120 Title=Annagh v Newry teamsheet|publisher=Newry City AFC Official Twitter |date=22 December 2020 |access-date=3 April 2021}}</ref>

==Rivalries==

Despite its short history, the club and its fans have developed a good-natured rivalry/relationship with local neighbours [[Warrenpoint Town F.C.]], who inherited a number of players from the dissolved [[Newry City F.C.]] club and ensured senior football survived in the area after the collapse of the former club. Separated by only six miles, with Newry City's home ground, the Newry Showgrounds, on the route out of Newry toward Warrenpoint, matches between the two have been dubbed "the Mourne Ultimatum" and victory in such matches as "the Mourne Supremacy"(referencing the [[Jason Bourne]] films). Crowds at both Milltown and Newry Showgrounds for such matches have also tended to be larger than for other games.<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.irishnews.com/sport/footballsoccer/2022/01/10/news/newry-claim-mourne-supremacy-in-irish-cup-derby-clash-2555730/ | title=Newry claim Mourne Supremacy in Irish Cup derby clash | date=10 January 2022 }}</ref> The relationship received some press attention when Warrenpoint Town, newly relegated from the NIFL Premiership sent messages of congratulation to Newry City AFC who had effectively been promoted in the other direction. The Newry club was effusive in its praise for the 'class' of their neighbours, and expressed hopes the 'Mourne Ultimatum' would soon be revived again with Warrenpoint Town returning to the NIFL Premiership.<ref>[https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newry-city-warrenpoint-town-show-23734164 Newry City and Warrenpoint Town show class amid contrasting fortunes]</ref>

==Current squad==
{{Fs start}}
{{Fs player|name=Steven Maguire|nat=NIR|no=1|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player|name=Darren King|nat=NIR|no=2|pos=DF|other=Captain}}
{{Fs player|name=Noel Healy|nat=NIR|no=3|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=[[Ryan McGivern]]|nat=NIR|no=4|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=Declan Carville|nat=NIR|no=8|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|name=Daniel Hughes|nat=NIR|no=9|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|name=Thomas Lockhart|nat=NIR|no=10|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|name=Mark Hughes|nat=NIR|no=11|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=Ebuka Kwelele|nat=IRL|no=12|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|name=Niall Brady|nat=IRL|no=13|pos=GK}}
{{Fs player|name=Louis McKeown|nat=NIR|no=14|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=James Teelan|nat=NIR|no=15|pos=FW}}
{{fs mid}}
{{Fs player|name=John McGovern|nat=NIR|no=16|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|name=Andrew Martin|nat=NIR|no=17|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=Stephen Moan|nat=NIR|no=18|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=Brian Healy|nat=NIR|no=19|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|name=Joshua Wilson|nat=NIR|no=20|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|name=Philip Donnelly|nat=IRL|no=21|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|name=Ben Kavanagh|nat=NIR|no=22|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|name=Lorcan Forde|nat=NIR|no=24|pos=FW}}
{{Fs player|name=Thomas Hardy|nat=NIR|no=27|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=Donal Rocks|nat=NIR|no=29|pos=DF|other=On loan from [[Cliftonville F.C.|Cliftonville]]}}
{{Fs player|name=Stephen Lawless|nat=IRL|no=32|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|name=Dale Montgomery|nat=NIR|no=35|pos=DF}}
{{Fs player|name=Ethan Sousa|nat=BRA|no=|pos=MF}}
{{Fs player|name=Jamie Clarke|pos=FW|nat=NIR}}
{{Fs end}}

==Honours==
===Senior honours===
*'''[[NIFL Championship]]: 1'''
**[[2021-22 NIFL Championship|2021-22]]

===Intermediate honours===
*'''[[Mid-Ulster Football League|Mid Ulster Football League Intermediate A]]''': 1
**2015–16
*'''[[Mid-Ulster Football League|Mid Ulster Football League Intermediate B]]''':1
**2013-14
*'''Premier Cup''':1
**2015

==Women's team==
{{Further|Newry City Ladies F.C.}}
The women's team played its first season in 2011.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/6453/newry-city-girls-flying-high/| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120429195149/http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/6453/newry-city-girls-flying-high/| archive-date = 2012-04-29| title = NEWRY CITY GIRLS FLYING HIGH}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.shekicks.net/news/view/2483 |title=Archived copy |access-date=2016-08-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111708/http://www.shekicks.net/news/view/2483 |archive-date=2016-03-04 }}</ref> They won the Division 4 in 2011 and the Division 3 in 2012.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.shekicks.net/news/view/6423| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160127104235/http://www.shekicks.net/news/view/6423| archive-date = 2016-01-27| title = She Kicks - News Section: Seven Finals End Irish Season}}</ref> They won the Division 1 title in 2013.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newrycityafc.co.uk/?p=1708|title = Newry City Ladies league trophy presentation}}</ref>
The women's team was promoted to the [[Women's Premier League (Northern Ireland)|Women's Premier League]] in 2014, after winning the Championship.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/northern-ireland/championship/2014/regular-season/r24348/|title=Summary - Championship Women - Northern Ireland - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway}}</ref> In their 2015 Premier League season they only had 2 defeats and were second place going into the final matchday. After Linfield only drew with Glentoran United and Newry City won the team took first place and won the Premier League title.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/national/northern-ireland/premier-league/2015/regular-season/r31178/|title = Summary - Premiership Women - Northern Ireland - Results, fixtures, tables and news - Soccerway}}</ref>

They also reached the Irish Cup final in 2014 but lost on penalties.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[http://www.newrycityafc.co.uk/ Official website]
*[http://www.facebook.com/pages/Newry-City-Football-Club/121955067238 Newry City AFC] on [[Facebook]]
*[https://twitter.com/NewryCityAFC Newry City AFC] on [[Twitter]]

{{Football in Northern Ireland}}
{{NIFL league}}

[[Category:Association football clubs in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Association football clubs established in 2013]]
[[Category:2013 establishments in Northern Ireland]]
[[Category:Mid-Ulster Football League clubs]]
[[Category:Newry]]
[[Category:Phoenix clubs (association football)]]
[[Category:NIFL Championship clubs]]