debt advice

New trials to see housing, mental health and ex-offender support workers trained as ‘money supporters’ New trials are looking to build on evidence that training frontline support workers in money guidance can help the UK’s most vulnerable people to address and avoid financial problems such as going into debt. Funded and coordinated by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), the trials...

Commenting on the Government announcement about Breathing Space, Craig Simmons, Head of Debt Policy and Strategy at the Money and Pensions Service said: “Having worked on the policy behind Breathing Space, it’s great to see it coming into effect in 2021. We welcome the fact that many people will benefit from 60 days without contact from their creditors. In this time, they can get debt...

Five priority areas to help people make the most of their money and pensions A new UK-wide strategy to transform the country’s financial wellbeing in a decade is being launched today by the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) under its government mandate. Delivering on the strategy will transform the lives of many individuals, benefitting communities, businesses, the economy and wider...

Helplines for people with money worries are gearing up for one of the busiest times of the year, with a call about debt expected every four minutes throughout January1 at the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS)2. Last year, nearly 3,500 debt calls were made to the free Money Advice Service (MAS) helpline (on 0800 138 7777) in January, while there were 26,000 visits to the MAS debt advice...

A guide to a new communication system When a client doesn’t attend a debt advice appointment (‘no shows’), it means they are not receiving (or at least delaying receiving) debt advice which can dramatically improve their financial circumstances. Advisers also have to prepare for each appointment, so every ‘no show’ not only wastes the time spent planning, but also the time reserved for...

Caroline Siarkiewicz, director and debt advice expert at the Money and Pensions Service said: “The Money and Pensions Service welcomes this Public Statement which sets out how government intends to work collaboratively to help people with debts owed to the public sector. We would encourage government to use the Standard Financial Statement (SFS) which offers best practice on how to...

Caroline Siarkiewicz, Debt Advice Expert and Director at the Single Financial Guidance Body commented: “The FCA has identified improvement in the quality of advice provided by debt management firms, which is a good outcome for consumers. “If you’re struggling with debt and don’t know where to start, it’s always best to talk to an experienced adviser. There are different solutions for...

SFGB Press Release 8 February 2019 SFGB Debt Advice Commissioning – Update On 29th January, the SFGB Board met to agree a budget (subject to DWP and HMT approval) that will enable the continuation of debt advice funding and increase the number of people who can access free debt advice. At the same meeting, the Board took the decision to stop the recent competitive tendering...

Caroline Siarkiewicz, Partnerships and Commissioning Director at the Single Financial Guidance Body, commented on the Trades Union Congress unsecured debt figures released today: “These figures show the level of personal debt is increasing. What our research shows is there are now more people struggling with their debts, and that less than a quarter of them seek help. Whether you are...

MAS Press Release 8 August 2014 Debt advice work for nine out of ten over-indebted people 88% of people take action after receiving advice76% reduce their debts71% feel less stressed Debt advice works for nine out of ten people struggling with serious financial problems, according to the latest figures from the Money Advice Service Independent evaluation of debt advice funded...

Frontline first responders could help the UK’s most vulnerable avoid spiralling into debt

Media comment: introduction of Breathing Space

UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing sets out ten-year vision to improve millions of lives

New year debt blues: debt call every four minutes expected through January

Reduce missed debt advice appointments using behavioural science

Media comment: Money and Pensions Service welcomes Fairness Group Joint Public Statement

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body comments on FCA review of debt management firms

SFGB Debt Advice Commissioning – Update

Media comment: Single Financial Guidance Body responds to TUC unsecured debt figures

Debt advice work for nine out of ten over-indebted people

Managing money in uncertain times