This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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One million more for money advice
13/06/2002
New funding of £1 million for the provision of money advice was announced today at the Money Advice Scotland annual conference in Edinburgh.
Deputy Social Justice Minister Hugh Henry said it would make it possible for more people to get advice on debt or money worries which is a key part of new legislation currently going through Parliament to replace poinding and warrant sales in Scotland.
Agencies like Citizens Advice Bureau and local authority advisers help people manage their debt and, as a result, prevent court action, he added.
The new funding - consisting of £500,000 for each of the next two years - will ensure that advice workers share good practice and common standards in the quality of money and debt advice they provide. It will also enable Money Advice Scotland and Citizens Advice Scotland to introduce a consistent training framework for debt advisers throughout the country.
Mr Henry said:
"This £1 million investment emphasises the Executive's commitment to ensure that information, advice and help is available to people struggling with debt and other financial problems.
"The funding will drive money advice forward. It will ensure that high quality money advice, given by well trained advisers, is accessible to everyone in Scotland. This funding complements the three million we invested earlier this year to make sure there will be enough money advisers to help people with financial concerns.
"Too many Scots do not have the basic financial services like a bank account or access to affordable credit that the rest of us enjoy. Tackling financial exclusion, closing this gap, is a top priority.
"We want to help families and individuals with money problems find a way out of difficulty without sinking further into debt and without the need to go to court."
Kaliani Lyle, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, said:
"Increasing the support services available to money advisers will help to ensure that Scottish citizens have access to the best possible advice and assistance with debt problems through Citizens Advice Bureaux and other agencies offering free, independent and impartial advice. CAS and MAS will work together to improve the quality and effectiveness of these services to really make a difference."
Yvonne Gallacher, Money Advice Scotland's Chief Executive, added:
"We really welcome this commitment from the Scottish Executive, which will enable Money Advice Scotland to work in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland in order to deliver well funded support services, which in turn will produce high quality free money advice, for those who need it most."
The Debt Arrangements and Attachments Bill was laid before the Scottish Parliament in May 2002. This Bill provides a humane and workable alternative to Poinding and Warrant Sales. Under a new strategy for dealing with debt, money advice will take on even greater importance as a gateway for drawing up debt arrangement schemes.
The Executive has also launched the National Debtline telephone advice service. A local pilot is currently taking place in Fife. The public can access free money advice by calling 0808 808 4000.