About us

History

Citizen’s advice bureaux first appeared in 1939, with over 200 established throughout the UK.

During the war, more than 60 bureaux were operational throughout Scotland, mainly staffed by volunteers, just as they are today.

The bureaux were created as a response by the UK government to the public’s demand for advice and information on a variety of topics during the war, initially intended as a temporary solution.

Many inquiries revolved around wartime issues, such as what steps to take after being bombed out, tracing relatives, and lost ration books. However, other inquiries also focused on housing and employment concerns.

When the war ended, the nature of queries shifted to align with the needs of a peacetime society that was gradually stabilizing. The CAB remained a well-known, independent resource for individuals seeking assistance, and bureaux continued to play a vital role in the everyday life of Scotland.

In 1980, Citizens Advice Scotland, formerly known as the Scottish Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (SACAB), achieved full independence.

Musselburgh and District Citizens Advice – Our Bureau

Every bureau within the Scottish Citizens Advice network operates as a registered charity and relies on public support to continue providing valuable advice that enhances people's lives.

Although Musselburgh and District Citizens Advice Bureau is an independent charity, we are affiliated with the national voluntary advice service, Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS), which comprises approximately 59 member bureaux throughout Scotland.

The Musselburgh and District Bureau has been serving the community since 1974, and in 2024, we proudly celebrated our 50th anniversary.

In October 2023 we moved from our high street office to our new home in Fisherrow Centre

Aims & Principles

The Citizens Advice Service (CAB) provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination.

Our aims are:

  • To provide the advice people need for the problems they face
  • To ensure that individuals do not suffer through not knowing about their rights and responsibilities and the services that are available
  • To improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives, both locally and nationally.

What We Do

We can offer advice, guidance and information in a number of different areas including:

  • Benefits: questions about entitlements, support with applications
  • Debt advice: how to manage your debts, improve your financial situation and maximize your income
  • Employment: questions about terms and conditions, dismissal, redundancy, annual leave and unfair dismissal
  • Immigration: from Visa’s to applying for British Citizenship
  • Consumer Issues: everything from broken kettles to difficulties with home improvements
  • Relationships: issues relating to splitting up, children, and bereavement
  • Energy: how to read your meter, checking your energy tariff and supporting with supplier issues
  • Housing: renting, homelessness and council tax 

How we do it

All the advisers you encounter at Musselburgh and District Citizens Advice Bureau have undergone a comprehensive training program, typically lasting around six months. This ensures they are well-prepared to assist you with a wide variety of problems and issues.

Our advisers also utilize the AdviserNet Information System, a valuable tool that offers a rich source of information on topics ranging from employment and benefits to housing and debt. This access to independent, trustworthy, and quality-assured information enables our advisers to provide you with the most current advice available.

As part of the Scottish Citizens Advice network, our services consistently adhere to national standards. This guarantees that you will receive a professional and reliable experience every time you reach out to us.

Moreover, the quality and training team at Citizens Advice Scotland routinely evaluates the advice we provide through a bureau audit. This process ensures that we maintain the high standards expected of a Citizens Advice Bureau.

We offer general advice on various issues presented to us, and we also have specialist advisers focusing on money advice, benefits, energy, and employment.

With the current challenging economic climate, our services are in high demand now more than ever.