New money advisory service launched by government

[sequenci]

We're starting to notice more and more priority debt cases coming through, this will certainly be significantly increased WHEN interest rates start climbing. I would like to see MAS deal with those.

 

Oh, and more and more water firms are looking to high court enforcement - good luck with those too.

 

On the plus side I think this will reinforce the need to solid debt advice in England and Wales.

[bluedogx]

Hi Seq

 

Do you know the answer to wintrys question? I don't think the MAS was ever supposed to replace debt advisers but I'm not sure.

 

B

[sequenci]

I don't think it's designed to replace the free money advice sector either. The key problem is that, in my opinion, the Government totally underestimates how important the free advice sector is. If they actually knew how diverse the area covers they may well be shocked. It's easy to think that debt counsellors simply deal with loans and credit card situations - and whilst that's certainly a large part of our work most clients have some sort of priority debt hiding away somewhere. In my humble view, the self-funding model (used by the likes of CCCS) doesn't encourage a truly holistic solution, government funding is paramount to ensure that money advisers help their clients using a fully objective approach. I think solid free and impartial financial advice is a very good thing BUT it shouldn't be there to detract away from the debt side of things. Those at board level at my place have certainly engaged with the likes of CFEB and the government and the vibe I'm getting back is that they are VERY aloof to say the least. I must say that I'm not party to those meetings and may not be fully equipped with all of the facts, what I do know is that when Labour were in power not a month would go past with at least a couple of MP's and those in decision making capacities coming to visit us at our place. I've not seen that many since the change.

[victoria_siempre]

Hi seq

 

I agree save that I don't agree that a totally objective approach is possible. The interests and desired outcomes of: banks; DCAs; advice agencies; regulatory bodies; government, and the courts system, all vary and do not align with mine. Consciousness is born from, and interacts with experience in practice informed by some theory or framework of ideas; the notion of praxis. We see on CAG how fear and guilt fade as knowledge and experience of the despicable practice of banks and DCAs rises.

 

This is why the CAG approach is superior; enlighten, empower and help folk to take informed action: no judgement or preaching; here it is, make your own informed choice. This is a truly ethical but not objective approach; when bandits declare war on my family I do not wish to be impartial.

 

x

 

v

[bluedogx]

Vic

 

I like to think we work to high standards which includes being objective. My energies are focused on the client irrespective of the wants of banks or DCAs etc.

 

Seq

I wish more people who make decisions would visit us. It's happened on occasion but for long enough to get a grasp of the complex problems people have. We deal with everything from small single debts to eviction and repossessions and sequestration hearings - keeps me out of mischief!

 

B

[Wintry]

I don't think it's designed to replace the free money advice sector either. The key problem is that, in my opinion, the Government totally underestimates how important the free advice sector is. If they actually knew how diverse the area covers they may well be shocked. It's easy to think that debt counsellors simply deal with loans and credit card situations - and whilst that's certainly a large part of our work most clients have some sort of priority debt hiding away somewhere. In my humble view, the self-funding model (used by the likes of CCCS) doesn't encourage a truly holistic solution, government funding is paramount to ensure that money advisers help their clients using a fully objective approach. I think solid free and impartial financial advice is a very good thing BUT it shouldn't be there to detract away from the debt side of things. Those at board level at my place have certainly engaged with the likes of CFEB and the government and the vibe I'm getting back is that they are VERY aloof to say the least. I must say that I'm not party to those meetings and may not be fully equipped with all of the facts, what I do know is that when Labour were in power not a month would go past with at least a couple of MP's and those in decision making capacities coming to visit us at our place. I've not seen that many since the change.

 

Hi sequenci

 

You make some good points here.

 

Debt Relief Orders & Mortgage Rescue Scheme are also worth a mention.

 

Below is a link to an article on the proposed closing down of the FIF face to face debt advice project from early in February 2011 (before the 12 month extension U Turn so to speak)

 

http://www.totallymoney.com/news/index.php/2011/02/debt-advice-funding-axed/

 

Another link below to an interesting site

 

http://watchinga4e.blogspot.com/

 

The site makes interesting reading with the article below catching the eye in relation to this thread

 

A4e and money

 

 

 

A press release by the Press Association this morning hasn't been picked up by the media. A4e has another contract. That fact is rather tucked away in the story that, "A new independent service is being launched to offer free advice on financial issues over the phone, the internet and face-to-face through a nationwide network of centres." This "Money Advice Service" is free to use for everyone, and is a rehashing of a service that's been there for a while. Now it's adding a national face-to-face service, provided in England and Northern Ireland by A4e. (In Scotland and Wales, Citizens Advice have the contract.) A4e have been involved in this for a while so perhaps the papers don't think it's news. They're too busy pushing the start of the drive to get people off incapacity benefits. The Money Advice Service's own website makes no mention of A4e. And there's nowhere a statement of how much this contract is worth to A4e.

Emma Harrison has been in America looking at social and welfare reform, while Mark Lovell reports "some good new business in welfare skills and local govt."

 

 

 

Posted by historian at 00:51 2 comments Email This BlogThis! Share to Twitter Share to Facebook Share to Google Buzz

 

Labels: A4e, Emma Harrison, Mark Lovell, Money Advice Service, Press Association

 

 

mmm

Edited April 9, 2011 by Wintry

[Wintry]

Hi

 

Interesting

 

http://www.mya4e.com/partners/a4e-and-the-money-advice-service/

[daisy lighter]

I'm doing the two day introduction wiseradviser training in June. The coursers are accredited and should I decide to continue the subjects covered will be Dealing with Debt, Dealing with any Emergency debts, Income Maximisation, Negotiate with Priority Creditors and Northern Ireland Court Procedures.

There are 3 training levels; Generalist, Skilled and Specialist.

 

It sounds good.