MaPS makes changes to debt advice grants in response to increased complexity of client cases in community-based services

Published on:

14 April 2023

The Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) is taking action to ensure we keep meeting the needs of debt advice clients, many of whom are presenting with increasingly complex cases.

After feedback from advisers and advice organisations, along with our own research, MaPS has recognised that there has been a significant rise in case complexity in recent years.

In response, together with the Department for Work and Pensions and HM Treasury, we have agreed that more time is needed with clients. We have therefore adjusted the level of clients to be served through our community-based grant funding for 2023/24.

MaPS will fund advice and support through its community-based organisations to serve a combined total of at least 97,920 clients for the year ahead, starting 1 April.

The new total reflects the fact that clients need more time and support from advisers. It also makes it feasible to provide both the best standard of service for clients and the right level of protection for debt advisers’ welfare by ensuring their workloads are more manageable.

MaPS came to this decision after reviewing the available evidence on client need and case times. We will continue to work with the sector to understand the demand for services.

Caroline Siarkiewicz, Chief Executive of the Money and Pensions Service, said:

“Debt advice is life-changing for the people who receive it, so it’s crucial that we respond to their evolving needs. In order to achieve this, we’re making changes and ensuring the way we work with our community-based services is focussed on giving clients the time they need for their increasingly complex situations.

“By striking a balance between maximising the availability of the service, meeting the needs of those using it and protecting debt advisers’ welfare, we can offer a high quality service that works for everyone. We look forward to continuing to support all of our partners as they provide free, independent debt advice for the many people who need it.”

– ENDS –

Back to top

Notes to editors

In 2023/24, our expectation is that at least 560,000 people will receive debt advice via our community-based services grants and contracts.

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.

Back to top

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