Citizens Advice Bureau announces funding cuts

As the Citizens Advice Bureau announces funding cuts have forced it to scale back its services, one of Hartlepool’s oldest firms is promising to deliver those services to anyone in need.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors has brought together a team of specialists in housing, debt and social welfare issues to offer a one-stop shop to advise and help, open from Monday to Friday in the centre of Hartlepool.  The firm has been appointed by the Legal Services Commission to provide these services under the Legal Aid Scheme, thereby ensuring those eligible will have their fees covered.

Claire Harrington, Welfare Benefit Advisor with Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors, commented: “Many people who feel their personal situation is deteriorating are only aware of the services that are disappearing.  It is vitally important that people know where they can come for help.  Whilst traditionally solicitors might not have been your starting point, we want people to know that there is a team here who are helping people daily, and making a real difference for people here in Hartlepool.”

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors is available to assist with the following issues:

• Problems meeting rent or mortgage payments;
• Problems with landlords such as repair problems and bond issues;
• Being threatened with eviction or being made homeless;
• Problems from mounting debts and creditors;
• Being threatened with the bailiffs;
• Advice on bankruptcy;
• Problems relating to benefit appeals such as employment support allowance, disability living allowance or tax credits etc; and
• Being asked to repay benefit overpayments.

Claire concluded: “If you’re facing any of these problems, you need to speak to us as soon as possible. Pick up the phone and we will always aim to get you a face to face appointment the same day.  Alternatively, you can just drop in to our York Road offices and ask to see one of the team there and then.”

Tilly Bailey & Irvine Solicitors has staff experienced in welfare issues, debt management and in housing matters.  To speak to the team, call 01429 264101 during working hours and ask for the Welfare team