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Citizens Advice responds to OFT’s new debt management guidance

22 March 2012

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive at national charity Citizens Advice, said:

"It's good to see the OFT tackle unacceptable marketing practices carried out by many debt management companies.

It's right that firms should end activities such as sending unsolicited text messages, emails and voicemails, and offering inappropriate financial incentives to staff.

But it's not good enough that firms found unfit to hold a credit license remain free to continue trading while they appeal decisions by the OFT. We want to see the OFT urgently empowered to stop this.

It's not necessary to pay for debt advice. Citizens Advice Bureaux offer free impartial advice."

Citizens Advice

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local bureaux, all of which are independent charities, 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 information in England and Wales see www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  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. For online advice and information see www.adviceguide.org.uk
  3. Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales advised 2.1 million clients on 6.9 million problems from April 2011 to March 2012. For full 2011/2012 service statistics see our quarterly publication Advice trends
  4. Out of 22 national charities, the Citizens Advice service is ranked by the general public as being the most helpful, approachable, professional, informative, effective / cost effective, reputable and accountable (nfpSynergy’s Brand Attributes survey, May 2010).
  5. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at around 3,500 service outlets across England and Wales.