Anger over CAB event
Council leader facing `hijack’jibe
The launch of a new Citizen’s Advice Bureau service to help Universal Credit claimants through stressful assessments is at the centre of a political spat.
While supportive of the new Cabvocates intiative, Tories have accused Stirling Council leader Scott Farmer of “hijacking” a launch event last Friday by trying to score political points.
However, the SNP councillor, who was keynote speaker, has hit back saying the Conservatives would do better to reflect on how their policies nationally have led to the need for such projects.
With two year financial support from Citizens Advice Scotland development committee, Stirling CAB has created the new service with one paid worker and a team of 14 volunteers. They will provide full week coverage to assist clients with their DWP medical assessment support requirements.
Cabvocates will also undertake welfare reform driven advocacy work on behalf of clients, attending Work Capability Assessments and PIP medical assessments.
Although not providing representation for clients, their presence is aimed at “informing, enabling and empowering” clients to answer assessor’s questions with greater confidence and provide the clearest and most lucid accounts possible, given limitations imposed by ill health and or disability.
Trossachs and Teith Tory councillor Jeremy McDonald, welcomed the scheme but added: “I was disappointed that the council leader chose to make some political points during his speech.
“That was not appropriate and I know many people in the room felt the same way. CAB enjoy support from all political parties and should not have their events hijacked like this.”
Councillor Farmer said Universal Credit was having a devastating effect on constituents.
Rent arrears for council houses in Stirling amongst UC claimants was now over £100,000, he said and added: “If Tory councillor McDonald finds Universal Credit an uncomfortable subject, perhaps he should raise this with Stirling Tory MP Stephen Kerr - who is an unrelenting advocate for the scheme despite the damage it is doing to his constituents.”
Bureau manager Craig Anderson said: “Cabvocates will ensure that vulnerable citizens throughout Stirling District will have better access to support and assisted to get to (and get through) their DWP medical assessment.”
Cabvocates lead worker Janet Taylor said: “Stirling CAB are keen to support people to better articulate their needs effectively at an earlier stage and help reduce the anxiety and stress facing people at assessments.”
Anyone who thinks the advocacy service may be of help to them can drop into Stirling District Citizens Advice Bureau in Upper Craigs from Monday to Thursday from 10am to 3pm or can contact Janet on 01786 474247 or 07376 104 879 (call or text) or e-mail: janettaylor@stirlingcab. casonline.org.uk.