Publications

Citizens Advice Scotland welcomes the opportunity to respond to WICS’ Strategic Review of Charges 2021-27: Draft Determination consultation.

Citizens Advice Scotland has responded to the consultation on proposed guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable consumers. We are pleased to see the continued commitment by the FCA to protecting vulnerable consumers.

Earlier this year CAS undertook to research how accountable public services in Scotland are. This report presents the findings of that work. 

This insight report presents the results of research undertaken by Social Market Research during January-March 2020 on the accessibility of the Post Office network and internet and telecoms market for older and disabled people in Scotland, with analysis and recommendations based on the research findings.

CAS welcomes the opportunity to respond to this consultation.

We want to ensure that the Heat Networks (Scotland) Bill delivers the best possible outcomes for heat network consumers, and gives parity with the rights and services afforded to consumers of the regulated energy market. Unfortunately we are aware of instances where heat network consumers have been disadvantaged due to the current unregulated nature of heat networks and are keen that this Bill works towards improving this as much as possible.

CAS welcomes the ambition of the Scottish Government to bring every owner-occupied home in Scotland to Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) band C. This will not only increase the energy efficiency of Scotland’s housing stock, but also reduce carbon emissions and alleviate fuel poverty. We believe a warm, dry, energy efficient home that is affordable to heat should be the standard in Scotland, not a privilege.

196,000 people in Scotland are not connected to the public water supply, and rely on a private supply for drinking water. Water quality in private supplies can be poor. Those responsible for the supply must cover the full burden and cost of ensuring that they are treated, monitored, and maintained correctly. The majority of private supplies are rural or remote rural.

Citizens Advice Scotland is today publishing a new guide for how organisations can take the public with them when planning new building developments or other activities. Based on joint research carried out with Scottish Water and the Customer Forum, the CAS report captures the components of best practice community engagement, which we believe should be at the centre of organisations’ community engagement policy and practice.