Our analysis of the problems people are facing
People face far more problems than they should because policy fails them. No-one sees that more than we do: we help more people with more problems than anyone else. That gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today.
We use our evidence and insights to show decision makers where things aren’t working and make the case for change - so we can live in a society where people face far fewer problems.
Our focus areas
Our network of independent charities provide expert advice on key issues. Our policy research combines unique insight on the problems people face, and analysis of wider social and economic trends, to set out new ideas to improve policy for everyone.
Our latest data
All our insights start with people’s stories. From those stories, we build up a complete picture of problems in society. We can see which old issues are getting bigger and which new problems are just emerging - and can still be prevented. Find our latest insights on the most pressing problems people face.
Our Data Insights events
Our monthly Data Insights events showcase our frontline data from across the service, illustrating in real time how social and economic trends, alongside government policies, impact the lives of the people we help.
Each month we focus on a new theme and invite distinguished guest speakers to share their expertise with us; commenting on the political and economic landscape, and exploring opportunities to ease the pressure mounting on people from the rising cost of living.
For more information about our next event and to register, please visit our Eventbrite page. You can also watch back all our previous events.
Cost-of-living data trends
We're helping record numbers of people who need a food bank referral, who can't afford to turn on their heat or electricity or who've been made homeless. This is a key test for government policy: can it turn these trends around?
What we're saying
From our latest research to reports, here's what we're saying right now to push for change.
Left in the Lurch: How the disability aids market is failing its customers
In 2023, Citizens Advice received one complaint every hour about a disability aid purchase, with wide-reaching consequences on consumers’ financial, emotional and physical wellbeing. We’re calling for urgent action to help protect vulnerable consumers.
Securing Life's Essentials: Building a plan for targeted bill support in regulated markets
Targeted bill support schemes, i.e. "social tariffs", exist in some markets - but they're falling short. We're partnering with Policy in Practice and IPPR, funded by abrdn FFT, to build a blueprint for how the government can better design these schemes.
The National Red Index: how to turn the tide on falling living standards
The National Red Index tells us, for the first time, how many people nationally are in a negative budget. This is today's defining living standards issue. Here we set out what's driving negative budgets and what's needed to start turning the tide.
How we've made things better for people
We use our knowledge and evidence to campaign at the highest levels. Governments, regulators and companies have all made changes when we've shown them the evidence that policy can solve problems.
Since the pandemic, the government has adopted several of our recommendations, including extending the Universal Credit uplift and the suspension of the Minimum Income Floor for self employed workers.
Stories from the people we've helped
Millions of people come to us for help every year, each telling a story of systemic failure. Our clients are victims of poorly designed policies. Their stories drive our ambition to help every individual find a way forward, and also to fix the systemic problems which have led to them needing our advice in the first place.
Once we pay the bills and buy food there's nothing left. We're not sure what we are going to do as the prices are just going up for everything and we don't have any extra money coming in.
I can’t work anymore hours as I need to be home to take care of my grandkids. It’s got to the point where we’re borrowing money to get by as we just can’t afford to pay for everything. I’m really worried for the future.”