A response to the Scottish Government consultation on the creation of a Scottish Civil Justice Council

Citizens advice bureaux advised on 25,769 new legal issues in 2010/11; an increase of 7% on the previous year. Additionally, bureaux reported a significant increase in the assistance they are providing in benefit appeals, helping clients to complete over 12,000 welfare tribunal documents, and representing clients at 3,312 welfare tribunals(an annual increase of 58%). CAS welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation on the creation of a Scottish Civil Justice Council.