16 Aug 2006
DAVID CAIRNS PAYS TRIBUTE TO WORK OF CITIZENS ADVICE SCOTLAND
New poll reveals public satisfaction with CABs
Scotland Office Minister David Cairns today paid tribute to the work of Citizens Advice Scotland, and presented awards to a number of long serving CAS volunteers.
During his keynote address to the CAS Annual Conference in Edinburgh, Mr Cairns revealed poll results showing high levels of public satisfaction with Scotland's network of Citizens Advice Bureaux and the work of their staff.
The results of the latest MORI survey show that CAS has retained an overwhelming vote of public confidence.
According to MORI, 98 per cent of Citizens Advice Bureaux clients surveyed said they felt able to trust the confidential service; 97 per cent praised the service for the advice, assistance and support it offered across a range of areas; while 94 per cent were satisfied with the CAB service overall.
Mr Cairns commented:
"Such outstanding results are a ringing endorsement of the free, independent and confidential advice offered by CAS. MORI itself commented that 'once again, the competency, knowledge and the level to which staff are sympathetic and friendly were cited as being what's good about the service.' These findings show that you have retained an overwhelming vote of public confidence.
"As an organisation you have continually evolved over the past 60 years as you seek to be relevant and accessible to the community around you.
Referring to welfare reform - one of the subjects being debated at the CAS Conference, Mr Cairns added:
"The Welfare Reform Bill contains powers to replace Incapacity Benefit with an Employment Support Allowance alongside a new personal Capability Assessment which will help give individuals more relevant support and get them into appropriate work.
"Let me reassure you that these changes are not about forcing people back into work where it is not appropriate. We cannot say this too often.
"There will be some people who require the additional help and assistance that only the welfare state can provide and they will continue to receive their benefits as they do at present."
NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS
1. Mr Cairns was addressing the annual conference of Citizens Advice Scotland, being held at the Edinburgh Conference Centre, Heriot Watt University.
2. Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) is the umbrella organisation to which all Citizens Advice Bureaux in Scotland belong. It is a registered charity funded by a core grant from the Department of Trade and Industry. Citizens Advice Scotland and its member CABx form Scotland's largest independent advice network. CAB advice services are delivered through 199 service points throughout Scotland, from the islands to city centres.
The CAB service aims:
To ensure that individuals do not suffer through lack of knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, or of the services available to them, or through an inability to express their need effectively
And equally
To exercise a responsible influence on the development of social policies and services, both locally and nationally.
Contact: Paul Burgess: 0131 244 9060
News Release: «NewsReleaseNo»
Internet: www.scotlandoffice.gov.uk