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Citizens Advice response to BIS Select Committee report on debt management

7 March 2012

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

"We’re pleased to see that the Select Committee has listened to us.

More and more people are being offered payday loans that they simply can’t afford, and being sucked into further debt. Rollovers and up-front fees should be restricted as soon as possible.  

The Committee is also right about a stronger code for fee-charging debt management companies. It should be easier for people to compare paid-for advice providers and get more free debt advice. Citizens Advice helps over two million people every year with their problems - many of which concern money and debt. And our advice remains free."

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.