New Integrated Advice Centre for Derby

Yesterday ( Tuesday 20 March 2007) a pioneering merger agreement between Derby Law Centre and Derby Citizens Advice Bureau was signed: the first of its kind in the UK. It will create a brand new integrated Citizens Advice and Law Centre for the city. The new Centre will be a ‘one stop shop’ for free, independent general and legal advice.

The merger will ensure that more people in Derby have easier access to the advice and support they need on a wide range of issues including debt, employment, housing, welfare benefits, consumer and legal problems. Later this year the two services will move to share accessible new ‘shop front’ premises in the centre of Derby.

The formal signing of the merger took place at the Charnwood Street base of Derby CVS – the umbrella organisation for the city’s voluntary sector – with representatives from both organisations present.

Tony Wragg, who is the Chair of the newly merged Centre, said: “This is terrific news for the people of Derby. The new Citizens Advice and Law Centre will provide ‘one stop’ law provision for whatever social welfare or legal problems local people encounter in their daily lives.

Joan Dryburgh, who is Vice-Chair of the new Centre, said: “Together we will be able to provide the best possible advice service for people in Derby. The merger brings together over 70 volunteer Citizens Advice Bureau advisers offering clients a generalist advice service with Derby Law Centre delivering specialist legal services provided by its Solicitors and caseworkers.”

Tony Wragg added: “In Derby we are placing ourselves in a strong position to help people and sustain high quality free legal advice services. This new Centre will incorporate a greater range of legal expertise in a way that better meets people’s needs. The new merged service will be housed under one roof and we’ll be able to employ all existing members of staff and retain all current CAB volunteers to provide advice in their respective areas of expertise.”

Sue Holmes the new Chief Executive of the organisation, confirmed: “This groundbreaking merger builds on the expertise of both organisations and can only mean challenging opportunity for our staff and the provision of a better service for people of our community.”