Case Study
– Single working mother from Harlesden
"I went to the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
because my application for tax credits was not
accepted. I tried to sort out the problem myself
by contacting the tax office but got now here.
By the time I got an appointment with the CAB
adviser, I was thinking of giving up my part-time job because without tax credit my
housing benefit was suspended and I couldn't pay
my rent and faced repossession of my home.
Also, I was borrowing money to feed my child.
The adviser wrote a number of letters and
made a lot of calls to the Tax Credit Office.
Apparently my personal details were being used
by someone else to wrongly claim tax credits.
An investigation was made and with the
support I received from Brent CAB my name
was cleared and I eventually received tax credit
payment for year 2005/06 to £4,615.54 plus
an extra £80! If it weren't for the CAB I
wouldn't be working. Thank you!"
Brent CAB provides an invaluable service to people living and working in the borough. These services are possible through the support of our funders and friends. We want to thank our funders who have generously provided the funds to enable the Brent CAB service to continue and grow.
The Local Authority provides the backbone of our
funding which enables us to make a real difference in
the lives of Brent residents and to contribute to
the priority areas
that form the key themes in Brent Council's Corporate
Strategy and Performance Plan.
[back to top]
Working in partnership with Brent Children's Centres has been one of the latest initiatives we have undertaken. The projects aim to meet the advice needs of parents with children under five.
Trained advisers from the bureau provide advice at
the project locations, focusing
particularly on maximising parental income through
benefit advice.
[back to top]
Every Wednesday and Thursday, advice and information sessions are
provided by one of our experienced generalist
advisers. Catalyst and Fortunegate housing
tenants are helped primarily on issues to prevent
rent arrears, maximise income, highlight disrepair,
negotiate neighbour disputes and other housing
related areas.
[back to top]
Legal Service Commission
(LSC)
Our service
has been accredited by the LSC to provide legal
help and specialist advice. We help people who are
eligible for legal aid to protect their rights in
housing, immigration, debt and
welfare benefits issues. Our specialist advisers undertake
case work and represent clients at court where
necessary.
[back to top]
Brent Citizens Advice Bureau established the John
Fisher Free Legal Advice Service in December 2001, in
partnership with Clyde and Co, in memory of the late
John Fisher. John was an Honorary Legal Adviser at
the bureau for over 15 years. During that time, John
provided an outstanding pro bono service to the people
of Brent. Collaborative work between Brent CAB and
Clyde and Co has achieved a unique pro-bono service
of the highest standard of legal advice to a
community. The weekly sessions are conducted by a
group of lawyers who attend the
bureau and provide pro bono work
on personal injury compensation claims, insurance,
employment, consumer and housding matters.
[back to top]
If you want to offer your support, become a friend by clicking here for further information.
About Us
| Site Map | Privacy Policy | Contact Us |
©2007 Brent Citizens Advice Bureau