The Bureau's advisers are mostly volunteers, trained to provide help in a wide range of situations. In the more complex areas extra help is  available from both voluntary and paid staff, who specialise in debt, employment, disability, benefits and housing claims. The Bureau  has access to specialist ancillary services and can also refer clients to appropriate agencies.

 For further information click on the appropriate link below.

Top of Page

We can help with Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, Council Tax, Housing, Sickness, Disability, Maternity and other Benefits including Tax Credits. We can calculate and check entitlements for these and give assistance with reviews and appeals. 

Example: If you are working with or without a family to support, you may well be entitled to Working Tax Credit. If you are responsible for children then you could be entitled to Child Tax Credit as well. 

Links to other benefit  websites

Top of Page

We can advise on consumer rights and the obligations of traders, help in dealing with faulty goods and poor services and to obtain redress from the suppliers.

Example: Have you bought faulty goods and been unable to obtain redress? Goods from a trader must be of reasonable quality and suitable for their purpose.

Links to other consumer  websites

Top of Page

We can give assistance in dealing with debt, maximising income, preparing financial statements and negotiating with creditors. We can provide the information to help decide if bankruptcy is an appropriate alternative. We can help in dealing with court summonses or judgments

Example: Have you multiple debts and need a plan to make suitable arrangements with creditors? Many of them will accept an arrangement that allows reduced debt payments.

Links to other debt management websites

Top of Page

Advice is available on all aspects of employment including minimum wages, statutory holidays, unfair & constructive dismissal, redundancy, working conditions, discrimination and contracts of employment. We can also advise and assist with employment tribunal claims.

Example: Have you failed to get a  job because of your sex,  race or disability? Discrimination on these grounds is against the law.

Links to other employment  websites

Top of Page

If you have difficulties arising from the provision of accommodation by the public and private sectors. Whether you are homeless, an owner occupier, a council, housing association or private tenant we can advise on your rights and assist with negotiations, bringing in specialist advice where necessary. 

Example: If you have been given notice to quit, the landlord must use the correct procedures.

The Bureau also operates a Court Desk at Worthing County Court, to help those facing the loss of their homes through rent or mortgage arrears. These sessions are held every Wednesday morning.

Links to other housing websites

Top of Page

We can advise on the rules regarding British citizenship and the right to stay in the U.K., as well as the procedures for admitting spouses and fiancées. We clarify your position regarding work permits and where there is a right to obtain employment.

Example: If you are from another country the right to work is affected by many factors. 

Links to other immigration  websites

Top of Page

We hold information on court procedures and can assist with the completion of court forms. Where, following an interview, a legal opinion is necessary, we can  arrange an advisory appointment with a  solicitor experienced in the relevant area of law.

Example: County Court actions can follow a number of different courses. we can help determine whether fast track or more prolonged action is likely.

The Bureau has an Hon. Legal Advisory Service where more complete legal issues are identified. Clients are offered a 30 minute diagnostic interview with a qualified solicitor. This is a free service provided by the Worthing Law Society.

Links to other legal  websites

Top of Page

You can find out your rights and responsibilities when relationships face difficulties. In separation and divorce issues we can advise on arrangements for children, housing, property rights etc. Options can be discussed to help resolve particular problems arising from individual situations, including those affecting single parents, violent relationships, maintenance including Child Support Agency disputes and many others.

Example: Where a relationship has broken down it is important to have information about rights and obligations of both partners.

Links to other relationship websites

Top of Page

We can assist where there are problems with water, gas, electricity and telephone companies. These can include bad service, difficulty in communicating, incorrect charges, unread meters, arrears and poor customer relations.

Example: If payments are in arrears, can a service be discontinued? Circumstances vary, we can help.

Links to other utilities websites

Top of Page

We can supply information on income tax allowances, coding and rates and the rules for areas such as self employment. We can also advise regarding National Insurance classes and amounts. We can also help with all aspects of Council Tax, including rebates and arrears.

Example: Should you be paying tax on you savings? Perhaps not, we can tell you the rules.

Links to other tax websites

Top of Page

The preceding information relates to the major areas where we can be of help to our fellow citizens. There are around 2000 subject headings in our alphabetical files, ranging from Abandoned Cars to Youth Training. Within these there may well be the answer to YOUR problem.

Examples: Maybe you have problems with your neighbours or your pavement is dangerous. We can advise on these and many other situations.

Links to miscellaneous websites