CAB prepares for the year ahead

Saturday 07 January 2017

The head of Citizens Advice says he hopes there will be a big review this year before any changes to legal aid are introduced in the Island.

CAB's Chief Executive Malcolm Ferey has been looking back over the year on what they have achieved and at opportunities and ambitions for the coming year.

He said: "I hope that in 2017 proper and wide consultation is undertaken before any changes are made to the Legal Aid system and that we arrive at a Legal Aid system which is fair for all concerned and, crucially ensures access to justice for those members of our community who depend on it."

Looking back on the year, he said: "April saw a small but important piece of legislation being enacted. The Debt Remission (individuals) (Jersey) Law 2016 had been a long-standing campaigning issue for our office and we are grateful to Senator Sir Philip Bailhache for pushing forward with this important piece of social legislation that will ultimately bring light into the lives of those who find themselves on a dark path of spiralling debt, with an opportunity to access an up-to-date, out of court debt remedy which had been lacking, in Jersey, for so very long.

"In August The Access to Justice Review published some firm conclusions, producing its third interim report with recommendations that can be taken forward to help to remove the barriers for those seeking access to the justice system. Promoting the Community Mediation Service, provided by this office and with the support of The Jersey Legal Information Board, offering legal information in plain English, via our website, are just two examples of the findings in this report.

"Digital communications and ease of access to services have been high on our agenda in 2016 and with financial assistance from Health and Social Services we have been progressing with our work on the Jersey Online Directory.  This site will continue to prove its worth in the coming years as it integrates into the way that people access local health services, solutions and support groups.

"September was the month when discrimination on the grounds of age was the next piece of law to come in to bolster up the suite of protected characteristics that have been growing in the last couple of years adding to the established protection for race, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment and pregnancy and maternity. Disability as a protected characteristic is now our firm focus and I am confident that this will come in 2018, with 2017 perhaps being used to provide a period of consultation.

"When I visited Warwick University with my Chair to attend our National Conference and Annual General Meeting, I was reminded that the charity is strong, positive and confident. This position is reflected locally by the influence of our Board, the massive input that our volunteers provide and the commitment from our staff.  Our funders and supporters also remind me that our work is valued by the people in the community who need it most, our clients."