WIREDGOV

Welcoming the Government’s announcement of a review of the Financial Advice Markets, Citizens Advice has highlighted the importance of ensuring people can access free and independent frontline money and debt advice services.

In the last year local Citizens Advice helped people with over 1.7 million debt and financial issues, ranging from credit card debt and mortgages to personal pensions and financial capability skills.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

"Getting the right money advice, guidance or support can be key to a secure financial future.

“At every stage of life it is vital that people have access to the right advice and guidance for their financial circumstances, whether that's help managing their money, dealing with debt issues or getting guidance on key decisions around pensions choices or investment.

“This review is a welcome step and we look forward to working with the Government to ensure the market works for all consumers, and that there is a strong offer of free, independent money and debt advice services to help people get to grips with their finances and empower them to make the right decisions for them.”

Notes to editors

1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential, and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
3. To get advice online or find your local bureau in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.