Citizens Advice Scotland
@citizensadvicescot.bsky.social
Empowering people across Scotland | Here to help you find a way forward ➡️
Derek’s Herald column explores why face‑to‑face support remains at the heart of our network, even as millions use our digital services. Nothing beats speaking to someone in person. 👇
tfn.scot/opinion/tech...
tfn.scot/opinion/tech...
Technology is great but most people still prefer face-to-face contact - TFN
Derek Mitchell on making support personal
tfn.scot
February 18, 2026 at 12:47 PM
Derek’s Herald column explores why face‑to‑face support remains at the heart of our network, even as millions use our digital services. Nothing beats speaking to someone in person. 👇
tfn.scot/opinion/tech...
tfn.scot/opinion/tech...
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our first in-person episode of foreCASt at the Gathering. If you weren’t able to attend, we’re excited to share that the recording is now available here www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThWk...
foreCASt: advice that changes lives - maximising incomes
YouTube video by Citizens Advice Scotland
www.youtube.com
February 18, 2026 at 11:07 AM
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for our first in-person episode of foreCASt at the Gathering. If you weren’t able to attend, we’re excited to share that the recording is now available here www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThWk...
We had a wonderful time at SCVO's #TheGathering this week. It was a pleasure connecting with so many colleagues from across the third sector and meeting new partners along the way.
February 12, 2026 at 5:29 PM
We had a wonderful time at SCVO's #TheGathering this week. It was a pleasure connecting with so many colleagues from across the third sector and meeting new partners along the way.
It’s Student Volunteering Week! Volunteering at a CAB helps you build confidence, communication and problem‑solving skills. Our Adviser Training Programme is now SCQF Level 6 accredited, meaning volunteers can gain a qualification equivalent to a Higher while making a difference.
February 10, 2026 at 11:50 AM
It’s Student Volunteering Week! Volunteering at a CAB helps you build confidence, communication and problem‑solving skills. Our Adviser Training Programme is now SCQF Level 6 accredited, meaning volunteers can gain a qualification equivalent to a Higher while making a difference.
"The beast is awake and feeding — but can we control it?
AI is moving fast, and if people aren’t at the centre, the most vulnerable will be left behind.
Universal Credit showed what happens when systems aren’t accessible.
Ethical, inclusive AI is essential.
tfn.scot/opinion/ai-r...
AI is moving fast, and if people aren’t at the centre, the most vulnerable will be left behind.
Universal Credit showed what happens when systems aren’t accessible.
Ethical, inclusive AI is essential.
tfn.scot/opinion/ai-r...
The beast is awake - so how can we make AI ethical? - TFN
Jemiel Benison on prioritising the needs of users in the face of technological advances
tfn.scot
February 9, 2026 at 4:43 PM
"The beast is awake and feeding — but can we control it?
AI is moving fast, and if people aren’t at the centre, the most vulnerable will be left behind.
Universal Credit showed what happens when systems aren’t accessible.
Ethical, inclusive AI is essential.
tfn.scot/opinion/ai-r...
AI is moving fast, and if people aren’t at the centre, the most vulnerable will be left behind.
Universal Credit showed what happens when systems aren’t accessible.
Ethical, inclusive AI is essential.
tfn.scot/opinion/ai-r...
Tomorrow we’re bringing foreCASt: advice that changes lives - maximising incomes live and in-person to the Gathering as part of our election mini-series on the key policy areas that we need to see in manifestos.
Book your place to join us tomorrow 3-4pm 👉 scvo.scot/the-gatherin...
Book your place to join us tomorrow 3-4pm 👉 scvo.scot/the-gatherin...
February 9, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Tomorrow we’re bringing foreCASt: advice that changes lives - maximising incomes live and in-person to the Gathering as part of our election mini-series on the key policy areas that we need to see in manifestos.
Book your place to join us tomorrow 3-4pm 👉 scvo.scot/the-gatherin...
Book your place to join us tomorrow 3-4pm 👉 scvo.scot/the-gatherin...
Stephanie Mander, our Social Justice Policy Manager, gave evidence to the UK Parliament this week, saying that the energy market is broken. In this clip she says the onus should be on decisionmakers to fix it.👂👇🏼
February 6, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Stephanie Mander, our Social Justice Policy Manager, gave evidence to the UK Parliament this week, saying that the energy market is broken. In this clip she says the onus should be on decisionmakers to fix it.👂👇🏼
We're hosting foreCASt: advice that changes lives - maximising incomes, the second episode of our election mini-series at the #SCVOGathering on 10 February 3-4pm. Have you booked your place? scvo.scot/the-gatherin...
February 5, 2026 at 3:57 PM
We're hosting foreCASt: advice that changes lives - maximising incomes, the second episode of our election mini-series at the #SCVOGathering on 10 February 3-4pm. Have you booked your place? scvo.scot/the-gatherin...
Thanks to everyone who attended foreCASt: public debt and financial security yesterday. We had a strong discussion with David Hilferty, Myles Fitt, Professor Morag Treanor and Gayle Bell. Missed the episode? Watch it here 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRg...
foreCASt: public debt and financial security
YouTube video by Citizens Advice Scotland
www.youtube.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:38 PM
Thanks to everyone who attended foreCASt: public debt and financial security yesterday. We had a strong discussion with David Hilferty, Myles Fitt, Professor Morag Treanor and Gayle Bell. Missed the episode? Watch it here 👉 www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQRg...
Council Tax is one of the most common debts people seek help with each year. That’s why CABs across Scotland are launching a national campaign this Feb–March to raise awareness of Council Tax Reduction, discounts and exemptions. 🧵(1/2)
February 3, 2026 at 2:58 PM
Council Tax is one of the most common debts people seek help with each year. That’s why CABs across Scotland are launching a national campaign this Feb–March to raise awareness of Council Tax Reduction, discounts and exemptions. 🧵(1/2)
Our senior energy policy officer Molly speaks about the extension of the #WarmHomeDiscount
"By itself it isn’t anywhere near enough to address the scale of the problems people are facing right now."
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/mo...
"By itself it isn’t anywhere near enough to address the scale of the problems people are facing right now."
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/mo...
New calls for £400 Warm Home Discount to ‘reflect real cost of heating a home’
The £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme provides help to people on a low income, as well as those in receipt of the guarantee credit element of Pension Credit.
www.dailyrecord.co.uk
February 3, 2026 at 1:03 PM
Our senior energy policy officer Molly speaks about the extension of the #WarmHomeDiscount
"By itself it isn’t anywhere near enough to address the scale of the problems people are facing right now."
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/mo...
"By itself it isn’t anywhere near enough to address the scale of the problems people are facing right now."
www.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/mo...
📢 Join us tomorrow for foreCASt: public debt and financial security. Book your place now 👉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forecast-p...
foreCASt: public debt and financial security
Join us for the first episode of our new election insights series of foreCASt which will cover public debt and financial security.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
February 2, 2026 at 4:12 PM
📢 Join us tomorrow for foreCASt: public debt and financial security. Book your place now 👉 www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/forecast-p...
Our Senior Energy Policy Officer Molly Shevlin told BBC Reporting Scotland that the UK Government’s extended Warm Home Discount still falls short in tackling fuel poverty, calling the failure to fix the broken #energy market ‘a dereliction of duty.’
February 2, 2026 at 9:16 AM
Our Senior Energy Policy Officer Molly Shevlin told BBC Reporting Scotland that the UK Government’s extended Warm Home Discount still falls short in tackling fuel poverty, calling the failure to fix the broken #energy market ‘a dereliction of duty.’
Don’t miss the chance to sign up to the first episode of our foreCASt election mini-series - book your place today. Join us on Tuesday 3 February 2-3pm to hear all about our insight into public debt 👇
foreCASt: public debt and financial security
Join us for the first episode of our new election insights series of foreCASt which will cover public debt and financial security.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 29, 2026 at 4:35 PM
Don’t miss the chance to sign up to the first episode of our foreCASt election mini-series - book your place today. Join us on Tuesday 3 February 2-3pm to hear all about our insight into public debt 👇
Natasha Gilmour, Head of the EHU was presented with an MBE last week at Holyrood Palace by HRH Princess Anne, who is Patron of Citizens Advice Scotland. It was a team effort says Natasha tfn.scot/opinion/how-...
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
Charity lead: I netted an MBE but it's all about teamwork - TFN
Natasha Gilmour on receiving an honour
tfn.scot
January 27, 2026 at 9:40 AM
Natasha Gilmour, Head of the EHU was presented with an MBE last week at Holyrood Palace by HRH Princess Anne, who is Patron of Citizens Advice Scotland. It was a team effort says Natasha tfn.scot/opinion/how-...
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
Huge congratulations to Natasha Gilmour, Head of the Extra Help Unit at Citizens Advice Scotland on being presented with an MBE last week.
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
January 26, 2026 at 11:52 AM
Huge congratulations to Natasha Gilmour, Head of the Extra Help Unit at Citizens Advice Scotland on being presented with an MBE last week.
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
#CitizensAdviceScotland #ExtraHelpUnit #NewYearHonours
You shouldn’t be asked for money to apply for benefits. Advice and help is free from your local CAB or from Social Security Scotland client advisers. Read more theedinburghreporter.substack.com/p/five-thing... #CitizensAdviceScotland #SocialSecurityScotland #FreeAdvice
Five things you need to know today
Raising money for a special Christmas Day at Marie Curie and a community centre opening its doors on Christmas Day to everyone
theedinburghreporter.substack.com
January 26, 2026 at 9:03 AM
You shouldn’t be asked for money to apply for benefits. Advice and help is free from your local CAB or from Social Security Scotland client advisers. Read more theedinburghreporter.substack.com/p/five-thing... #CitizensAdviceScotland #SocialSecurityScotland #FreeAdvice
Anyone in Scotland who needs extra support in making an application for benefits is entitled to receive free help to complete their application. Approach your local CAB for help or contact Social Security Scotland client advisers. #CitizensAdviceScotland #SocialSecurityScotland #FreeAdvice
January 23, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Anyone in Scotland who needs extra support in making an application for benefits is entitled to receive free help to complete their application. Approach your local CAB for help or contact Social Security Scotland client advisers. #CitizensAdviceScotland #SocialSecurityScotland #FreeAdvice
Energy debt is out of control across Scotland, and the main reason is simply that energy is too expensive.
Ofgem’s proposed changes to managing energy when moving home could leave many people at risk of being disconnected, which would seriously harm their physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Ofgem’s proposed changes to managing energy when moving home could leave many people at risk of being disconnected, which would seriously harm their physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Tackling energy debt in the supplier home-moves process | Citizens Advice Scotland
A response to a Ofgem consultation from Citizens Advice Scotland, January 2026.Key Points
www.cas.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 11:03 AM
Energy debt is out of control across Scotland, and the main reason is simply that energy is too expensive.
Ofgem’s proposed changes to managing energy when moving home could leave many people at risk of being disconnected, which would seriously harm their physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
Ofgem’s proposed changes to managing energy when moving home could leave many people at risk of being disconnected, which would seriously harm their physical, mental and financial wellbeing.
We’re excited to announce Gayle Bell as a guest speaker for foreCASt: public debt and financial security. Gayle is the CEO of Haddington Citizens Advice Bureau bringing her insight into the impact of public debt and lack of financial security on the people Haddington CAB supports.
foreCASt: public debt and financial security
Join us for the first episode of our new election insights series of foreCASt which will cover public debt and financial security.
www.eventbrite.co.uk
January 22, 2026 at 3:26 PM
We’re excited to announce Gayle Bell as a guest speaker for foreCASt: public debt and financial security. Gayle is the CEO of Haddington Citizens Advice Bureau bringing her insight into the impact of public debt and lack of financial security on the people Haddington CAB supports.
Universal Credit isn’t working for the people who need it most. Erica highlights how young people and women are disproportionately affected, with unpredictable payments, long waits pushing many into crisis.
2026 must be the year we push for meaningful change.
🔗 tfn.scot/opinion/reso...
2026 must be the year we push for meaningful change.
🔗 tfn.scot/opinion/reso...
Resolutions for Universal Credit - TFN
Erica Young asks if we can hope for progress on poverty in 2026
tfn.scot
January 20, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Universal Credit isn’t working for the people who need it most. Erica highlights how young people and women are disproportionately affected, with unpredictable payments, long waits pushing many into crisis.
2026 must be the year we push for meaningful change.
🔗 tfn.scot/opinion/reso...
2026 must be the year we push for meaningful change.
🔗 tfn.scot/opinion/reso...
📢Urgent support is needed for those facing impossible choices.
Ahead of today’s #ScottishBudget, our Policy Manager stressed the reality of debt on Reporting Scotland.
Measures like a social tariff could transform lives. Everyone deserves freedom from debt—what do you want to see in the budget?
Ahead of today’s #ScottishBudget, our Policy Manager stressed the reality of debt on Reporting Scotland.
Measures like a social tariff could transform lives. Everyone deserves freedom from debt—what do you want to see in the budget?
January 13, 2026 at 10:12 AM
📢Urgent support is needed for those facing impossible choices.
Ahead of today’s #ScottishBudget, our Policy Manager stressed the reality of debt on Reporting Scotland.
Measures like a social tariff could transform lives. Everyone deserves freedom from debt—what do you want to see in the budget?
Ahead of today’s #ScottishBudget, our Policy Manager stressed the reality of debt on Reporting Scotland.
Measures like a social tariff could transform lives. Everyone deserves freedom from debt—what do you want to see in the budget?
“Once again this winter, many people across Scotland are left shivering in the dark because they simply can’t afford the energy we all rely on.”
David highlights why this winter could be the toughest yet for vulnerable households struggling with energy debt.
tfn.scot/opinion/ofge...
David highlights why this winter could be the toughest yet for vulnerable households struggling with energy debt.
tfn.scot/opinion/ofge...
Ofgem’s ‘energy price cap’ is not worthy of the name - TFN
David Hilferty: “Again this winter people across Scotland are shivering in the dark”
tfn.scot
January 12, 2026 at 3:08 PM
“Once again this winter, many people across Scotland are left shivering in the dark because they simply can’t afford the energy we all rely on.”
David highlights why this winter could be the toughest yet for vulnerable households struggling with energy debt.
tfn.scot/opinion/ofge...
David highlights why this winter could be the toughest yet for vulnerable households struggling with energy debt.
tfn.scot/opinion/ofge...
If you’re losing sleep over unpaid energy bills, we can help you manage your debt and talk through your options. We’re here to help in-person, over the phone or online. Visit our website to find out more 👉 www.cas.org.uk/worried
January 12, 2026 at 12:31 PM
If you’re losing sleep over unpaid energy bills, we can help you manage your debt and talk through your options. We’re here to help in-person, over the phone or online. Visit our website to find out more 👉 www.cas.org.uk/worried
Registrations are now live for the first three episodes of our foreCASt election mini-series. Book your place today to be part of the conversation on some of the most pressing issues going into the Holyrood elections and hear insight from experts 👇
January 7, 2026 at 12:03 PM
Registrations are now live for the first three episodes of our foreCASt election mini-series. Book your place today to be part of the conversation on some of the most pressing issues going into the Holyrood elections and hear insight from experts 👇