From Frontline Advice to Policy Discussions: Our Latest Research & Campaigns Activity

Every day, people come to Citizens Advice Middlesbrough for help with issues such as benefits, debt, housing, energy costs and employment.

While our advisers work to resolve individual problems, the experiences people share with us can also help highlight wider issues affecting our community. Through our Research & Campaigns work, we use this evidence to raise concerns, contribute to consultations and ensure that decision-makers have the opportunity to hear about the challenges local people are facing.

Over August and into September, we've continued to share evidence and insight with local, regional and national organisations on a range of issues including housing affordability, Universal Credit, energy costs, and cost of living struggles.

Bringing Local Experiences into National Conversations

This summer, we've continued contributing evidence to consultations, inquiries and policy discussions that affect the people we support every day.

Our recent work has included submissions on disability benefits, SEND reform, council tax enforcement, housing affordability and the adequacy of Universal Credit. By sharing examples from frontline advice work, we aim to help decision-makers better understand how policies and systems are affecting people in practice.‍

We were also pleased to be invited by National Citizens Advice to write the foreword to the Debt Relief and Support section of its Autumn Budget submission to HM Treasury. For us, this reflects the value of the insight shared by advisers and clients across Middlesbrough. This should be available on the Citizens Advice website soon.

Highlighting the Impact of Housing Costs

Finding and keeping affordable housing remains a significant concern for many of the people who seek our advice.

Throughout August, we continued to raise concerns about frozen Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates and the impact this may be having on people who rent privately. As part of this work, we wrote to Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke and Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, encouraging them to consider raising these issues with Government. ‍

Our aim is to ensure that the experiences we see locally are represented whenever decisions about housing policy are being considered.

Sharing What We're Seeing on Universal Credit

We have also been gathering evidence for a national inquiry examining whether current Universal Credit payment levels provide enough support for people to meet essential living costs.

To support this work, advisers shared examples, observations and reflections from their day-to-day work with clients. These insights are helping us contribute evidence that reflects the realities many people face when trying to manage on low incomes. ‍

In September, we are continuing this engagement through discussions with regional Department for Work and Pensions representatives following our work with Citizens Advice offices across the North East on a report about Universal Credit sanctions. The report highlights the experiences of people affected by sanctions and the impact they can have on finances, wellbeing and family life. You can read the report here.

Contributing to Discussions on Energy and Warm Homes

Energy affordability continues to be a major issue for many households.

Recently, we submitted evidence to a national Call for Evidence exploring whether current plans to improve energy efficiency and create warmer homes are reaching the people who need them most. Drawing on adviser insight and client experiences, we highlighted the challenges many residents still face with high energy costs, poor housing conditions and accessing available support.‍

We have also continued helping raise awareness of these issues through media activity, including BBC Radio Tees discussions about energy costs, debt, PIP and other support available locally.

Working with Local Partners and Decision-Makers

Not all influencing happens in Westminster.

Over recent months, we have continued sharing evidence and briefings with local councillors, elected mayors and partner organisations. These conversations provide an opportunity to discuss emerging issues, share what advisers are seeing and ensure local experiences are part of wider discussions about services and support.

Looking Ahead

We are also beginning to explore whether recent renters' rights reforms are changing the experiences of private tenants locally. Working alongside Citizens Advice Stockton, we are gathering evidence about housing conditions, disrepair and whether tenants feel more confident raising concerns with landlords.

As new consultations, inquiries and opportunities emerge, we will continue collecting evidence and sharing what we're learning from our advice work.

Thank You

Every time someone shares their experience with us, it helps us better understand the challenges facing people across Middlesbrough.

The problems people bring to Citizens Advice don't just affect individuals. Often, they highlight wider issues with policies, services and systems that affect many others in our community. By listening to those experiences and bringing them together, we're able to contribute evidence to consultations, inquiries and discussions about how things could work better.‍

While we can't decide what changes will be made, we can help ensure that the realities facing local people are part of the conversation when those decisions are being considered.

Whether the issue is housing costs, benefits, debt, energy bills, support for families or other everyday challenges, the experiences shared by you, our clients, help us raise awareness of what is happening in Middlesbrough and highlight areas where improvements may be needed.‍

Thank you to everyone who has trusted us with their story. Your experiences help us not only provide advice today, but also contribute to discussions that may help improve support for others in the future.