Media comment: Google’s announcement of changes to its debt service advertising policy

Published on:

10 October 2022

Action to reduct the visibility of potentially harmful, misleading and misrepresentative debt service advertising.

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."

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Notes to editors

None provided.

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For media enquiries please contact: MaPS Press Office 020 8132 5284Opens in a new window | [email protected]Opens in a new window

About the Money and Pensions Service 

Our vision is “Everyone making the most of their money and pensions.”

We offer free, impartial help and guidance on money and pensions via www.moneyhelper.org.ukOpens in a new window and 0800 138 7777. For services in Welsh, please visit www.helpwrarian.org.ukOpens in a new window or call 0800 138 0555. The service includes a range of free tools, plus the opportunity to speak to an expert via WhatsApp, phone, email or live chat.

We also co-ordinate the UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing, working with partners and stakeholders to help everyone find their way forward and build a better financial future.

We are an arms-length body, sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions and funded by levies on both the financial services industry and pension schemes.

For more information, see Who we are or read our annual corporate plan and strategy.

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Media enquiries

For media enquiries please contact MaPS Press Office:

020 8132 5284Opens in a new window

[email protected]Opens in a new window