Advice services

The need for independent, non-statutory advice and representation is underpinned by the important principle that everyone, including government, is subject to the law. This is part of the essential checks and balances of a healthy democracy. Therefore the recent Northern Ireland Advice and Information Strategy consultation published by the Department for Social Development is to be acknowledged as a signifi cant step in the realisation of a system that places the needs of the end user at its core.

Independent advice effectively targets groups prioritised by Targeting Social Need and is committed to social justice principles. The vast majority of advice given is in the areas of social security, debt, housing and employment, with over half of all advice sector work in the area of social security.

A vibrant network of independent advice agencies exists across Northern Ireland. For instance, in 2004/05 Citizens Advice dealt with 220,495 enquiries an increase of over 6% on the previous year, while members of Advice NI dealt with 225,206 enquiries from 112,472 people. However, there are gaps in provision with demand far exceeding supply. Literacy problems, an inability to articulate need, lack of information in alternative formats and lack of knowledge mean that thousands of people are denied access to their rights, contributing to social exclusion.

Accessing sustainable sources of funding is a key challenge for the independent advice sector but it is imperative that government recognises that it has a duty to support access to independent information, advice, advocacy and representation services for everyone in Northern Ireland. This includes advice services for minority ethnic communities, migrant workers and asylum seekers. It is hoped that the Northern Ireland Advice and Information Strategy will ensure there is adequate funding to ensure that the strategy is fully implemented.

Political parties and the Assembly should:

• Fully consider the implications for advice services under the Review of Public Administration and ensure that the independent advice sector is actively engaged in the community planning process.
• Acknowledge the specialist nature of advice such as for women, disability, older people, childcare and ensure that under the Northern Ireland Advice and Information Strategy the cross-cutting nature of advice is not lost at the expense of a one size fi ts all approach towards the delivery of advice services.
• Ensure that a level playing fi eld exists for the contracting of advice services from government departments and their agencies. Departments should embrace the full cost recovery model if a quality and professional advice service is to be delivered.