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Citizens Advice Bexley is an independent charity dedicated to helping individuals navigate the challenges they face. We achieve this by providing free, high-quality advice services and advocating for policy and practice improvements that promote a fairer society for all.
As a registered charity and a proud member of the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux – the UK’s largest advice charity – we are part of a nationwide network of approximately 28,500 individuals, including over 22,000 volunteers. At Citizens Advice Bexley, our team consists of both dedicated full-time staff and committed volunteers.
Supported by the extensive training, information systems, and operational resources provided by Citizens Advice, we are equipped to deliver expert guidance and support to residents within our local community.
We offer advice on-line via e-mail, it may take us up to 5 working days to answer your enquiry. You can send us an e-mail via this link.
National Advice Line
We also offer web chat, this is a nationally based service, it can give you help and advice, but the trained adviser will not have local knowledge, nor will they be able to book appointments at this office. Please follow this link for this option.
Universal Credit
We give web chat and telephone help and advice about how to claim Universal Credit, this service is operated by our national organisation, they can put you in touch with a local adviser.
Consumer
We can advise on consumer issues via our e-mail advice service, Citizens Advice also has a specialist consumer advice service that you can contact by phone, e-mail or web chat.
Debt and Money
We are also able to offer web chat about debt issues, this is a nationally based service. If you are local, please use our e-mail.
Our fully trained advisers are able to answer most benefit enquiries, we can help complete forms, we can help with mandatory reconsiderations and appeals. We are also able to make referrals to the Free Representation Unit who assist people at appeals.
Universal Credit
Citizens Advice is funded by the Government to help people claim Universal Credit, you can access this help in a number of different ways:
We are able to advise on your problem at work, we can advise about all issues and what remedies you can seek.
We can help with the completion of applications to Employment Tribunals.
We can refer you to the Free Representation Unit, which may be able to take on your case and provide you with representation.
Acas gives employees and employers free, impartial advice on workplace rights, rules and best practice. We also offer training and help to resolve disputes.
We can help with the whole range of consumer problems locally. Our local services are enhanced by our National Consumer Helpline – 0808 223 1133. Calls are answered between 09:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday. If you wish to contact Trading Standards this can only be done through our Consumer Helpline.
Web chat
We also provide a web chat and e-mail advice service for consumer issues.
We can help with all kinds of housing issues. We also advise landlords, however we cannot complete Court forms for landlords. We can help those seeking Local Authority assistance with applications and appeals.
Homelessness
The primary source of help for homeless people in the Borough is Bexley Council, you can complete a Housing Support Form. There is very little housing in the Borough, generally the Council will only directly support those who are in priority need and have lived in the Borough for more than 5 years. The Council makes extensive use of temporary accommodation due to the lack of social housing in the Borough. The Council offers a number of schemes to help you rent in the private sector.
If you have children, the Council will always have a duty to ensure no harm comes to the children under The Children Act.
Housing
We also offer help for you during your tenancy, we can help with housing conditions, help with paying your rent and help when you are threatened with eviction.
Shelter are a charity who give advice to tenants, only, on all aspects of housing and homelessness.
The National Residential Landlord Association, gives help and advice to its members. There is a lot of useful information on their website, which is free to access.
IF YOU ARE IN FEAR OR DANGER ALWAYS CALL THE POLICE ON 999
The Met Police can offer help, advice and reporting to all victims of domestic abuse.
Solace Women’s Aid provide practical and emotional advice to ALL victims of domestic abuse, call 0808 802 5565. Always call the Police if you are in danger.
Bexley Women’s Aid provide practical and emotional support for female victims of domestic abuse, call 0208 301 1536. Always call the Police if you are in danger.
We can help with family law or point you in the direction of someone who may be able to help. Legal Aid in family matters is very restricted.
Mediation
In most cases with these exception you will need to attempt mediation before you can apply to the Courts. Mediation is not free, you can get legal aid for it if you are financially eligible, it is cheaper and quicker than the courts. You can find a local mediator on the Family Mediation Council’s website.
RCJ Citizens Advice
Our colleagues at Royal Courts of Justice Citizens Advice can also help, with preparation of cases and sometimes with representation in Court. The first step is to fill in their on line assessment form.
Bexley residents who have immigration problems can call us 08082 505 709, we are able to give specialist Immigration Advice to level 1.
Sometimes it is helpful to contact an elected member about issues you have. Elected representatives have different responsibilities and can only help with certain things.
Members of Parliment
Members of Parliament(MPs) are responsible for decisions made by the Government and organisation run by the Government. They can help with complaints about the NHS, the DWP and with immigration cases. There are three MPs for the Borough of Bexley, you can find out who your MP is here.
Members of Bexley Council
Every four years residents elect members of Bexley Council. The Borough is divided into wards and normally there are three Councillors per ward. The Councillors are responsible for making policy for the Council, the Council officers who are employees are responsible to the Members. Bexley Council has responsibility in the Borough for Housing, Education, Social Services, Refuse collection and recycling, Planning and parking. If you have a problem with any of these issues you may want to contact your local Councillor.
