Responding to the Prime Minister’s speech, Tom MacInnes, Director of Policy at Citizens Advice, said: “Rising bills are pushing more people over the edge – we’re seeing almost 200 people every day with water debt. The government’s announcement today of a strengthened Water Bill is a chance to change this and put consumers at the…
A 19-year gap in healthy life expectancy currently divides the poorest and richest communities in the UK. This gap is not an accident. It is an active health emergency driven by severe pressures on living standards. Our latest national research* shows that 2.6 million households (9%) said that their monthly household income was less than…
Nicola Sebastian – Ipswich.co.uk 19 Aug 2026 — 4 min read Five decades in one place Citizens Advice Ipswich has been offering free, confidential and impartial advice since 1974, on everything from debt and benefits to housing, employment and consumer disputes. For much of that history, the organisation operated from the same site, before moving to its…
I’m becoming more aware of how much energy our household gadgets and appliances use, and it’s making me think about our bills. Do you have any tips to help us cut down on energy use and save some money at home? It’s completely normal to worry about rising energy bills. The good news is that adopting a few simple…
We caught up with Lucy Evans, one of our trustees, to ask her about becoming a trustee. Tell us a bit about your work outside Citizens Advice My professional background has predominantly been within the public sector. My interests in this area are customer service, research, and delivering written content in plain English. Through my…
I bought a doll for my child recently. I thought it was manufactured by a well-known brand, but I suspect it might be counterfeit. How can I be sure and what are my rights? You’re right to seek advice about this issue, because counterfeit goods aren’t only illegal, they can be dangerous.Fake children’s toys in…
I can’t remember a ‘Damascene moment’ that pre-empted my coming in to the bureau to inquire about training as an adviser….it was more than 20 years ago for goodness sake!…(can’t recall what I did last week!) Possibly helping my dad – a retired teacher and intelligent, engaged man – in his struggles with his home…
To make the most of this year’s Energy Savers Week (19-26 February) take a take tour around the house, while we highlight the simple changes and swaps that could help people save money. At a time when fuel debts top the list of worries for clients approaching us for help with debt and energy prices continue to rise we are using this consumer awareness week to point out how households can…
I’m worried about losing power due to stormy weather. I keep imagining being stuck in the cold, struggling to feed the kids, with no way of contacting people. What should I do if this happens, and is there anything I can do to prepare? Power cuts can be unexpected and worrying, especially if your power…
A friend has suddenly fallen ill, which has made me think about getting my affairs in order. I’ve heard of setting up a lasting power of attorney, but I don’t really know where to begin, or if I really need to, as I’m not very old. The first thing to know is that anyone can…
