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

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Media enquiries

For media enquiries please contact: MaPS Press Office 020 8132 5284Opens in a new window | media@maps.org.ukOpens in a new window

About the Money and Pensions Service 

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is here to ensure everyone 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. Here to help put people in control of their money, it’s easy to use and backed by government.

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 www.maps.org.uk Members of the public can get free guidance about their money and pensions via: www.moneyhelper.org.ukOpens in a new window / 0800 138 7777.

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Media enquiries

For media enquiries please contact MaPS Press Office:

020 8132 5284Opens in a new window

media@maps.org.ukOpens in a new window