Who needs the CAB?
What sort of advice services should we aim to provide?

Analysis of local advice needs and factors which affect the nature of advice to be offered

The nature of the service delivered depends in part upon the type of the enquiry or problem, our ability to resource the particular solution sought, the availability of specialist services if a referral is appropriate and the capacity/desire of the client to be assisted to seek the solution for themselves (with our assistance to achieve client empowerment).

The avoidance of the duplication of available resources is relevant. In certain subject areas the Bureau will offer initial advice and assistance only

For example:

• Divorce
• Consumer matters
• Criminal Law
• Neighbourhood disputes
• Conveyancing issues

In the above cases the initial advice is supplemented with information about where more specialist assistance may be obtained (eg Consumer protection services or Legal Aid solicitors, if appropriate).

The top categories of advice requested by or clients in the latest period were as follows:

• Welfare Benefits - 34%
• Debt - 14%
• Immigration matters - 10%
• Housing - 11%
• Legal - 9%
• Employment cases - 5%

Background information page
Walthamstow home page

(updated 01/06/07)