The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.

Every Citizens Advice Bureau is a registered charity reliant on trained volunteers and funds to provide these vital services for local communities.

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Citizens Advice response to the Financial Capability Action Plan

07-07-2008

Teresa Perchard, Director of Public Policy Citizens Advice said:

“We welcome today’s announcement of the pathfinder areas to provide Generic Financial Advice (GFA) in the North of England.

“Today more than ever before people need access to free, impartial financial information and advice so that they can plan for their and their family's future effectively, and avoid risks of debt problems from over commitment and having limited savings.

“Our own generic financial advice pilot project, Moneyplan, has shown that there is a clear demand for a national service to deliver free, impartial financial information and advice to all, not just those that can afford to pay for it. Introducing a national system to deliver such advice is extremely important for the financial prosperity of people of all ages, as well as the UK economy as a whole.

“We look forward to working with the FSA to help create the much needed new service.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Citizens Advice service is a network of independent charities that helps 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.
3. Most Citizens Advice service staff are trained volunteers, working at over 3,300 locations across England and Wales.
4. Advice and information www.adviceguide.org.uk
5. Volunteer hotline 08451 264264 (local rate)
6. Citizens Advice Guide to your rights, second edition: January 2008 - over 600 pages of practical, independent CAB advice. An invaluable resource for any bookshelf - available from all good bookshops; price £11.99; ISBN: 9780141034089

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