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Money and Pensions Service launches consultation on Welsh Language Scheme

Grace Christie

Today, 4 October 2021, the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) has launched an eight-week consultation on how its services will help Welsh language speakers make the most of their money and pensions. 

The consultation, which is available on the MaPS website, invites all those with an interest in the Welsh language or MaPS services to read a new draft Welsh Language Scheme and feedback thoughts and comments by 5pm on Friday 26 November 2021. 

All feedback in response to this consultation will be considered when finalising the Scheme. MaPS will evidence all changes made, before submitting the final Scheme to the Welsh Language Commissioner for approval. 

MaPS gives the Welsh and English languages equal status in public life. As such MoneyHelper, the consumer-facing brand of the Money and Pensions Service, is available in Welsh and English. MoneyHelper also has a Welsh language helpline – staffed by Welsh speakers – and other Welsh language options are available on WhatsApp and web chat. 

Lee Phillips, Rheolwr Cymru / Wales Manager at the Money and Pensions Service said: 

“This consultation outlines our commitment to helping all Welsh speaking people in Wales and across the UK. For many Welsh speakers being able to use Welsh is key to accessing information and guidance about your money matters, not an optional extra.  

“The Welsh language is growing and thriving both in Wales and across the UK, and as a public body, we want to grow our services with it. Our Scheme sets out how we will give effect to that principle when providing services to the public in Wales and I would encourage you to respond to the consultation.” 

Lawrence Davies, Pensions Specialist at MoneyHelper said: 

“My colleagues and I are operating a variety of services in the Welsh language across phonelines and online to help people – particularly those most in need – to improve their financial wellbeing and build a better, more confident future.  

“As a first language Welsh speaker, I am proud to be able to provide money and pensions guidance in Welsh for MoneyHelper. Speaking in Welsh allows me to establish a level of trust and connection with service users – some of whom are in vulnerable circumstances – at important moments in their lives.” 

Medwen Roberts, from Rhuthun in Wales, recently used the MoneyHelper phoneline in Welsh. She commented: 

“I was trying to get some help deciding what to do with my pension. I wouldn’t say I’m active when it comes to looking after my pension. It’s quite mind-boggling and I find that there are more interesting things to do with my time…!  

“When I called the MoneyHelper Welsh language pension helpline, I found that discussing my pension options in Welsh was more natural and relaxing. I’m more comfortable talking about important things, especially awkward things like money, in Welsh. Lawrence, my pensions expert, he was great, and he covered lots of extra things that I didn’t realise I needed to know. I would recommend it to anyone.” 

Caryl Hughes, from Colwyn Bay in Wales, recently used the MoneyHelper website in Welsh. She commented:  

“I used the Baby Cost Calculator on the MoneyHelper website to work out how much money we need for our second baby. It’s been a great help for me to remember what we’ve already got and what I need to buy as new, and of course, how much money we need to actually buy these items. And being able to access this in Welsh makes it even more useful.” 

The consultation, which is open until 5pm on 26 November 2021, can be accessed here: https://moneyandpensionsservice.org.uk/2021/10/04/welsh-language-scheme/  

-ENDS-

For media enquiries contact:

MaPS Press Office 020 8132 5284 / media@maps.org.uk

Grace Christie, Press Officer: 020 8132 4069 / grace.christie@maps.org.uk

Notes to editors

  1. The Welsh Language Act 1993 places a duty on the public sector to treat Welsh and English languages equally when providing services to the public. The Act also requires every public body providing services to the public in Wales to prepare a Welsh language scheme. We recognise that the Welsh language has official status in Wales as enshrined by the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011. 
  2. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) states in its Welsh Language Scheme that sponsored bodies, who provide services to the public in Wales, will operate in accordance with the DWP Welsh Language Scheme unless they have their own Welsh language schemes or are required to adhere to standards.  MaPS services have therefore been operating under the DWP Welsh Scheme and other legacy schemes until this point. The DWP Scheme is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions/about/welsh-language-scheme
  3. Two of the three legacy Money and Pensions Service organisations – the Money Advice Service and The Pensions Advisory Service – had separate Welsh Language Schemes approved by the Commissioner. Pension Wise, the third legacy organisation, was covered by the DWP Welsh Language Scheme.  
  4. The url of the Welsh MaPS website is: https://moneyandpensionsservice.org.uk/cy
  5. The Welsh helpline for MoneyHelper is: 0800 138 055. Customers can call 0800 138 7777 to speak to someone in English. 
  6. The URL of Welsh MoneyHelper is: www.helpwrarian.org.uk
  7. MaPS WhatsApp and web chat services in Welsh are available via a call out box on all webpages throughout the Welsh site. 
  8. All those quoted on the release are available for interview – please contact the MaPS Press Office for more information. 

About the Money and Pensions Service

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is here to ensure every person feels more in control of their finances throughout their lives: from pocket money to pensions. When they are, communities are healthier, businesses are more prosperous, the economy benefits and individuals feel better off. MaPS delivers free and impartial money and pensions guidance to the public through MoneyHelper, which recently brought together legacy services the Money Advice Service, The Pensions Advisory Service and Pension Wise. 

MaPS is working to make sure the whole of the UK understands that financial, physical and mental health are all deeply connected. MaPS’ role is to connect organisations with the shared purpose of achieving the five goals set out in the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing.

MaPS supports innovation so that everyone can use the most effective methods to help people feel more in control of their money, targeted to those most in need and inclusive of people from all backgrounds. MaPS is an arm’s-length body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

For further information visit the Money and Pensions Service website www.moneyandpensionsservice.org.uk/cy/

Members of the public can get free guidance about their money and pensions

In Welsh: www.helpwrarian.org.uk / 0800 138 0555  

In English: www.moneyhelper.org.uk / 0800 138 7777

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