The Money Advice Service has launched a five-year debt commissioning strategy that sets out its plans to make sure debt advice services target those most in need.
Following a consultation with more than 175 organisations across a range of sectors, the strategy sets out a new approach to improve the quality of services delivered and consistency of client outcomes.
As part of this strategy, Mas will aim to make sure its clients receive timely and effective advice at all stages of the advice process from well-trained, empathetic staff, and clients are able to access, or are sign-posted to, services complementary to debt advice to help them address the root causes of their problem.
Sheila Wheeler, director of debt advice at the Money Advice Service, said: “The needs of those with problem debt are at the heart of this five-year strategy.
"We were delighted with the level of input we received into the consultation process and pleased that there seems to be a consistent, industry wide appetite for change. We must build partnerships across the industry to deliver better immediate and longer-term outcomes for those most in need."
As a result of this strategy, the commissioning of services will adopt a regional and phased approach to reduce risk of service disruption and accommodate capacity within the sector.
The strategy's outcomes will have a particular focus on over-indebted people with dependent children, a low household income and those who are experiencing mental ill health.
Next year Mas will merge with Pension Wise and The Pensions Advisory Service to create a single financial guidance body.
damian.fantato@ft.com
