Caroline Siarkiewicz, Chief Executive of the Money and Pensions Service said:
“This is an extremely positive development both for people struggling with debt and for the debt advice sector whose support and expertise changes lives.
“Google’s action will materially reduce the visibility of potentially harmful, misleading and misrepresentative debt service advertising. We are aware in some cases, customers were left confused and uncertain about their options. Free and impartial debt advice can be transformative for people in financial difficulty and our research shows that within six months of receiving it, two thirds of customers are reducing or clearing their debts.
“We have been delighted to work with Google on this, and thank them and the debt advice sector partners who worked with us for their efforts and collaborative approach.
“Anyone who is worried about debt can also find a qualified free debt adviser using the Debt Advice Locator Tool on the MoneyHelper website.”
–ENDS–
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.maps.org.uk The public can get free guidance about their money and pensions: www.moneyhelper.org.uk / 0800 138 7777.