Debt Advice Black Hole

October 25th 2021

It is being reported today that free, face-to-face debt advice could be lost in favour of funds being reallocated to online or telephone services.  Obviously, this is of great concern to those people who rely on face-to-face help with their debt problems.  

The question to ask is whether these ‘virtual’ services will be fit for purpose?  Can you really help someone in dire need during a brief telephone conversation or online chat?  It strikes me that this will not be effective for a large proportion of people.  

Every person who approaches these services is going to have different circumstances and need a bespoke solution.  

The whole process works more smoothly for debtors, creditors and the courts if debtors have the right advice from the start.

Hopefully this will not be another vital public service lost.

There is growing concern that free, face-to-face advice which helps hundreds of thousands out of debt each year could be cut.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58993223