The Citizens’ Advice Bureaux (CAB) in Oxfordshire (www.caox.org.uk) aim to provide the free, independent, confidential and impartial advice that people need for the problems they face.
CAB campaign to improve the policies and practice that affect people’s lives.
Frank Newhofer, Social Policy Coordinator at Oxford CAB, is warning that new changes to legal aid, which has seen 650,000 people nationally lose access to free legal advice or representation is creating “a democratic deficit — a justice gap between
those who can afford to pay and those who can’t”.
Frank further explains: “Ordinary people in Oxford are being left exposed to expensive court costs, debt and injustice.
“Victims of domestic violence have to provide written evidence that they’ve fled an abusive relationship, or a medical certificate that can cost anywhere between £35-£100.
“Employees trying to tackle illegal practices in the work place now face a double injustice — a combination of the removal of legal aid and fees of up to £1,200 to have their case heard at a tribunal.
“One outcome of restricting the access to justice like this will be an increase in people having to represent themselves in court, leading to delays, inefficiencies and increased costs to the state”.

Despite legal aid cuts, he said
CAB staff were working hard to try and make sure those in vulnerable positions were able to be supported when legal, housing and financial issues arise.
Problems with used cars are the number one issue reported to the Citizens’ Advice Consumer Helpline.
If you have encountered a problem such as this you can contact the helpline on 08454 04 05 06.
Additional campaigns are targeted at ‘Payday Loans’ and ‘Scams’. CAB are working jointly with trading standards and promoting their campaigning in line with National Consumer Week, beginning on Monday, November 4.
CABs in England and Wales advised more than two million clients last year. CAB staff are supported by more than 20,000 trained volunteers working in over 3,000 service outlets.
If you want to support the ‘Access to Justice’ campaign and for more information about changes to legal aid contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau or see the website www.caox.org.uk

  • If you want to contribute to this column please contact Maisy Ash at Oxfordshire Community and Voluntary Action by emailing maisy.ash@ocva.org.uk