Has anyone got through to Citizens Advice Bureau recently?

Posted by IsyABM@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 8 comments

I've been trying to reach them here in Birmingham. Email inbox is closed due to lack of capacity. Live chat has no-one available. Phone line has very specific options otherwise you're kept in a loop of options and cannot proceed. I've heard many people older than me praise CAB and talk about how they've relied on it during their harder times. I'm getting the sense it's not doing so well now and that the public haven’t cottoned on yet. Would be good to hear what those closer to the ground think.

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8 Comments

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therealpme@reddit

Hey 👋🏼 CAB caseworker here. If you’re happy to share I can point you in the right direction for the right help :)

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pumaofshadow@reddit

Honestly you'd be shocked at their phone stats and it's because they get SO many calls. If they have open hours and a reception try going in person to make an appointment. As bad as it is for those who can't get there you can usually book an appointment in person, although it may be a month away. Also check their website as many have hub drop in sessions at community centres at set times which are often easier to actually speak to someone, and either answer the question immediately or book a follow-up from. You could see if there are other suitable setvices in your area here: https://advicelocal.uk/

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Pharmacy_Duck@reddit

I'm not sure how you infer it that the CA (they dropped the "B" some time ago) are doing worse because you can't get through to them on the phone. Have you tried going in in person and waiting to see someone? That's how I got to speak to someone at my local branch a few months ago and they saved my neck properly.

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IsyABM@reddit (OP)

Here in Birmingham, it seems you have to schedule appointments first for in person meetings.

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Pharmacy_Duck@reddit

Well, that seems like poor organisation by one branch, but it's certainly not a blanket policy.

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IsyABM@reddit (OP)

That's for the perspective. I'll look further afield.

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Evening-Tomatillo-47@reddit

Don't look at Warrington then, never managed to get hold of them here either

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