Cab

boxed

just been for a visit, very, shocked, reeling actually, The advisor was loud, rude and refused to acknowledge my query. I left the office feeling dizzy,sick and faint not to mention my business had been discussed in a room with barely any privacy. CAB do some good work but some times they really need sorting out. I came away with no advice and feeling very very let down. going back tomorrow to see if I can make some headway, but I know any complaint will fall on deaf ears.

CIS

The advisor was loud, rude and refused to acknowledge my query

Thats generally the attitude of my local offices who I deal with as part of my job.

boxed

Thanks, still reeling, dont think I can face going back, the very thought makes me feel sick. They need investigating, by panorama I think, diabolical.

McKneff

boxed wrote: »

Thanks, still reeling, dont think I can face going back, the very thought makes me feel sick. They need investigating, by panorama I think, diabolical.

Is there any help that we can give you on here

boxed

Hi thanks, I have had a look and there are some answers which have helped me a great deal but, but I have gone as far as I can go on here, as its sensitive, so really I am on my own with this one.

bobajob_1966

CIS wrote: »

Thats generally the attitude of my local offices who I deal with as part of my job.

To be fair, I'm guessing they would say the same about you!

boxed

No I know this is not the standard of service usually delivered by the bureau. This lady would not allow me a word in edge ways, I was so ill I went to a cafe, tried to return but they were shut, I ended up in a solicitors around the corner and he had no problem with the query, this lady could have gone to the system to look up things, yet she didn't, she could have asked questions, she didn't, she could have gone to a supervisor, she didn't. she had a problem with an anonymous query which I was surprised at CAB are usually so good about confidentiality and anonymety. except this interview was conducted behind a screen in a waiting room full of people, I even wrote things down to try and keep it down but she insisted on shouting the information back at me any way.
There are a few things I am still stuck on, so round two tomorrow. As for complaints, CAB stick up for their own, the lady knew this you could hear it in her voice as she shouted for a complaints form, brash didn't care shouting her name across the office. any one who complains is in the wrong, so I know there are no comebacks for them, unless you get wrong advice and end up out of pocket then you could sue. many clients wish to be anonymous so how does a complaints system work, basically it doesen't, for them they feel helpless.

ThumbRemote

boxed wrote: »

No I know this is not the standard of service usually delivered by the bureau. This lady would not allow me a word in edge ways, I was so ill I went to a cafe, tried to return but they were shut, I ended up in a solicitors around the corner and he had no problem with the query, this lady could have gone to the system to look up things, yet she didn't, she could have asked questions, she didn't, she could have gone to a supervisor, she didn't. she had a problem with an anonymous query which I was surprised at CAB are usually so good about confidentiality and anonymety. except this interview was conducted behind a screen in a waiting room full of people, I even wrote things down to try and keep it down but she insisted on shouting the information back at me any way.
There are a few things I am still stuck on, so round two tomorrow. As for complaints, CAB stick up for their own, the lady knew this you could hear it in her voice as she shouted for a complaints form, brash didn't care shouting her name across the office. any one who complains is in the wrong, so I know there are no comebacks for them, unless you get wrong advice and end up out of pocket then you could sue. many clients wish to be anonymous so how does a complaints system work, basically it doesen't, for them they feel helpless.

Out of interest, how much did you pay for the service you received?

Do you feel you got value for money?

boxed

I accepted a service on offer, as do many vulnerable people, that doesn't mean to say they can be taken advantage of. This service is free, but is funded by the government, and legal aid as such should have standards. you go there because you need help it takes lots of courage to go, I left it months, and months before attending today. A fifteen minute free appointment with a solicitor is also free, I did not get treated like that.

[Deleted User]

I am afraid many CAB workers are volunteers and the quality of advice can range from very good to bad or plain wrong. I had one person actually stand in the door to stop me leaving when I was a bit frustrated with the wrong advice I was given (if I'd followed what she'd said I'd have lost a lot of money at a time I had nothing). My local office now is to be avoided. I try to find somewhere that's specific to the problem I have and avoid the CAB completely now. Fortunately I don't need CAB type advice very often and the net does help an awful lot (particularly this forum).

boxed

hi thanks
yes, you are right I havent decided yet, but I think I shall go and see another solicitor instead, the man I saw today was lovely, he helped a lot, but I am still stuck on some points and I've used my 15 mins so dont like to go back and pester him again.