New CAB debt tool & online Assisted Self Help Debt Management Plan

[Wintry]

they must be watching?

 

Hi

 

Think they have been watching since January 2012 when the thread first started (and I dont think they have been alone)

 

The CAB system has held up very, very well and continues to be developed, it is now fast becoming the talk of the town across many CAB branches right across the country and further a field, its genuine, its FREE, anybody can use or utilise and it could go all the way and they know it.

 

I have my contacts too:)

 

They should keep watching as the pace is set to accelerate in the new year.

 

There could be a real surprise coming, just maybe anyway, just maybe.

Edited December 7, 2012 by Wintry

[Guest]

I cant think why

 

but why delete the link? is it cause it shows that they have alot of money to spare, garnished from their clients et al? i don't know, just asking the question?

[Wintry]

but why delete the link? is it cause it shows that they have alot of money to spare, garnished from their clients et al? i don't know, just asking the question?

 

Hi Ford, puzzling isnt it:)

 

You never know the cost of it all might surface sooner or later, as a 'charity' the least you would expect is full transparency, maybe we have not looked hard enough and its all there somewhere, reading the article link below though it does not appear that they wish to divulge the cost of it all (hope this link does not vanish)

 

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/13560/debt_charity_cccs_to_rebrand_as_stepchange

 

The article paragraphs below 'touch' on the subject

 

"Debt management charity the Consumer Credit Counselling Service is to change its name to the StepChange Debt Charity next month ahead of a massive marketing campaign that aims to raise awareness of its existence among members of the public and other charities"

 

"Design agency Coley Porter Bell came up with the rebrand and Brass will implement it across its communications materials. The charity could not divulge the cost of the campaign"

 

Quite incredible for a charity is my opinion

 

Are we seeing the start of the rise of the Debt Management Plan Factories?

 

The Stepchange Debt Management Plan entry criteria and expenditure trigger figures could be the next discussion.

 

Also what happens to those that do not meet any such debt management plan entry criteria?

 

We need to know for referral purposes etc, I will know soon, so dont worry as I will put it all up on here:)

 

The CCCS / Stepchange posters on here might beat me to it though, come on guys it will save a bit of time if you do.

 

PS - Amongst other things I have heard the CAB boys are working on a smooth switch over to self administering section for those that can manage themselves, easy really once creditors have agreed offers, including a couple of standard letters to explain to creditors and leaving the previous provider - flexibility is the key here

 

Rumours of a creditor payment system too

 

Footnote - After all the above I would always go with a free DMP provider such as Payplan and Stepchange rather than any fee charger, its a no brainer really.

Edited December 9, 2012 by Wintry

[Guest]

.......

 

Tricky ground CCCS / stepchange.... watch the marketing own goals, they could cost ya!

 

you called it

rest of that post as well, and above post.

Edited December 9, 2012 by Ford

[Wintry]

you called it

rest of that post as well, and above post.

 

Hi Ford

 

I certainly did and nothing has changed with me

 

Another link below that makes very interesting reading indeed

 

http://www.civilsociety.co.uk/governance/news/content/13722/debt_charity_embarks_on_massive_branding_campaign

 

After reading the above I think the way this appears to be going CCCS / Stepchange could find themselves coming under close scrutiny as to their independence and impartiality and may score a monumental own goal as the other Debt Management Plan providers will have to respond to this and a propaganda war could well break out.

 

After reading the paragaph below from the civil society article link I wonder if Stepchange are going to promote and use the Common Financial Statement (CFS) for their Debt Management Plans?

 

http://www.cfs.moneyadvicetrust.org/

 

"StepChange Debt Charity chief executive Gordon Bell said that the charity plans to combine advice with advocacy. “Not only will StepChange Debt Charity work to ensure that everyone who needs help with debt is aware of the free advice and solutions that we provide, we will speak up for all who are affected by problem debt, right across society,” he said. “We will contribute to policy development and campaign for change wherever our knowledge and experience shows that its needed"

 

 

Where this leaves National Debt Line and the Mymoneysteps site of theirs is also an interesting question as CCCS seem to have gone for broke.

 

I have to say there does seem to be parts and sections on the new Stepchange site that look familiar to another site but there is no online self help debt management plan in the same vein as the CAB one, now why is that I wonder especially taking into account how much this all must be costing and again what happens to the people who dont meet the dmp entry criteria?

 

Once upon a time not so long ago there was a CAB / CCCS pilot Debt Management scheme, think it belly flopped, quite a few predicted it would, guess what, they were right. They are still best of mates though, some of the websites are pretty similar too:)

 

As I have said, its still got to best though going with a free DMP provider than a fee charger but maybe there will not be that much difference the way things are going and people are not silly when it comes to sales and marketing, overkill it and it could backfire in spectacular fashion.

 

Heres the 4 subject sites for those just clocking into this thread

 

https://www.mymoneysteps.org/

 

http://www.cashflow.uk.net/

 

http://mymoney.nedcab.org.uk/moneyadvice/

 

http://www.stepchange.org/

 

Very interesting times ahead my friend

 

Keep watching this space folks as things look set to hot up in the debt management plan kitchen and maybe standards will rise as a result and after all is said and done that would have to be a real positive

 

Again just my opinions

 

PS - Ford, had a late session again, had too many, one of my friends did too, when he got home he fell in the bath pulling the shower curtain down as he went, then hitting is head on the taps, 2 hours later he managed to get out, his good lady said it was the fault of the company he keeps, see, loved by some:)

Edited December 10, 2012 by Wintry

[Guest]

..........

PS - Ford, had a late session again, had too many, one of my friends did too, when he got home he fell in the bath pulling the shower curtain down as he went, then hitting is head on the taps, 2 hours later he managed to get out, his good lady said it was the fault of the company he keeps, see, loved by some:)

 

2 hours know what you mean it's not our fault others can't take their ale, discreetly! and, the 'good ladies' can't blame their own!

Edited December 10, 2012 by Ford

[Wintry]

2 hours know what you mean it's not our fault others can't take their ale, discreetly! and, the 'good ladies' can't blame their own!

 

Hi Ford

 

I agree

 

You can't keep blaming everyone else:)

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperance_movement

[Wintry]

Hi

 

Just been looking through this old link on Cashflow below

 

http://www.moneyadvicetrust.org/content.asp?ssid=76

 

Sounds positive reading and a good and most definitely the right idea in principle.

 

I initially praised it, tried it and gave our best shot, but its not really self help, does not really save much or any time, clients still need an adviser to access and change the figures in its prime form, its simply not working anywhere near as well as first thought / hoped

 

Sorry guys but, who exactly now is using this?

 

Time seems to have moved on, front line advisers under more pressure than ever with time consuming cases, funding & adviser job cuts and less around nowdays to use it.

 

Do Stepchange or Payplan recommend or use it?

 

Constructive comments welcome, National Debtline, Sequenci perhaps???

 

PS....guys, this is an open forum and these are fair questions in my opinion and I am quite certain you must have known that they were coming sooner or later especially given the appearance of the now established, award winning fast developing, increasingly popular new CAB system.

 

Your call guys

 

My views and genuine opinions as always

Edited December 13, 2012 by Wintry

[Wintry]

but why delete the link? is it cause it shows that they have alot of money to spare, garnished from their clients et al? i don't know, just asking the question?

 

Hi ford

 

Found another one

 

http://www.designweek.co.uk/news/coley-porter-bell-brands-stepchange-debt-charity/3035534.article

 

I found this bit of particular interest

 

"The charity, which has been providing free debt advice since it was established in 1993, says it was also rebranding due to ‘a changing debt landscape’, including a rise in payday loans and overdraft debt"

 

Many people with Payday loans can be in vulnerable position and dont have much disposable income and may be looking low and token offers Debt Management Plan wise. I wonder if there is any minimum entry criteria for the Stepchange Debt Management Plans for people and families in this type of situation or will it be a case of you will have to manage your own DMP or go somewhere else.

 

I cant seem to find any clarification on the above but I will do before long and it will be put up on here. You never know it could be positive news, but then again?

 

There is also the issue of expenditure allowance trigger figures and who is calling the shots here and the effect this might have on standard debt advice in general.

 

Its a tricky one and it wont go away

 

Maybe the Stepchange people can put our minds at rest, would be a good idea to let the people know, post away guys as the adverts will be coming soon in the new year I hear:)

[Guest]

hi. cheers for the link.

not forgetting the 'emotional connection' they mention in the link

 

trust you, and all, had a good christmas. all the best for 2013.

Edited December 30, 2012 by Ford

[Wintry]

hi. cheers for the link.

not forgetting the 'emotional connection' they mention in the link

 

trust you, and all, had a good christmas. all the best for 2013.

 

Hi ford

 

Yeah, 'emotional connection' I saw it:)

 

We should soon see, it could be a big gamble though, think its shakey pudding time and what with the Spitfires and Hurricanes waiting and that.

 

The adverts should be here soon, that could be interesting to say the least, there does seem to have been a 'lull' though but I cant see it lasting much longer.

 

Not sure if the fee chargers know how to fully handle all whats going on, but they will have to respond sooner or later or they could get washed away (IVAs arent exactly hitting the right headlines either)

 

Those other big players at PP seem to be keeping their cards close to the chest, never write the PP guys off though, they have been around much too long in this game.

 

The CAB online Self Help System also has further developments and maybe a surprise or two in the pipeline

 

Looks set to be one of the most interesting and perhaps uncertain of years as far as debt advice is concerned, does 2013

 

Not had too bad an Xmas this time round, drank too much however, my OH told me she loved me more than ever while out on boxing night, but that opinion seemed to change as the night went on and I took some heavy flak walking home in the early hours, I just laughed though, thats all you can do, think it was the drink in her, it has that effect sometimes or maybe everything is really all my fault:)

 

Hope everything was OK with you and the best to you in 2013

[Guest]

hi

yeah, seems debtors are looking for an 'emotional connection' to a dmc! . don't know about that!

 

yes, christmas/new year was good as usual.

as you say, 2013 could be interesting. hope so.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Ford

[Wintry]

hi

yeah, seems debtors are looking for an 'emotional connection' to a dmc! . don't know about that!

 

yes, christmas/new year was good as usual.

as you say, 2013 could be interesting. hope so.

 

Hi ford

 

I think the advertising campaign has started.

 

We will soon start to get feedback on the DMP situation, where do the people go who might not meet any potential eligibity criteria is the question already being posed

 

Theres the CAB self help DMP online tool or Cashflow system for those that might have no option other than to manage their own plans

 

http://mymoney.nedcab.org.uk/moneyadvice/dmptour.asp

 

http://www.cashflow.uk.net/

 

Surely a 'charity' like Stepchange would let people know about the above - think we will ask them

 

Some interesting stuff on the Stepchange site too, including a few claims here and there, gone for broke by the look of things.

 

Is it me or is there just a hint of a lean towards DMPs.

 

The IVA video made me smile

 

Nothing quite like this from a 'charity' has ever been seen before and how much has and is it costing?

 

Massive threat to the fee chargers this, what can they do? It could be the start of apocalypse now for some of them or if not all in time.

 

What do ya reckon Nick?

 

Go steady though guys, its a fine line and the independent, impartial headlight switch is on a hair trigger and we are looking at some of those claims very closely.

 

Come on CCCS peeps you can join in on this very open forum:)

 

Fascinating and interesting times ahead, thats for sure

 

My opinions

Edited January 12, 2013 by Wintry

[Nick Pearson]

Hi Wintry certainly SC have upped the anti so to speak with the rebrand and TV adverts. When they were CCCS they carried out extensive poster adverts on buses etc if I remember correctly. It's certainly must be a costly exercise for them. In terms of the impact on commercial DMP providers I think that experience has shown that anything that raises the profile of debt and the help available is a good thing. Do not underestimate the negative associations that the word charity has for many consumers by the way. My guess is that commercial providers will see only positive benefits from the higher profile of Stepchange via its advertising strategy.

[Wintry]

Hi Wintry certainly SC have upped the anti so to speak with the rebrand and TV adverts. When they were CCCS they carried out extensive poster adverts on buses etc if I remember correctly. It's certainly must be a costly exercise for them. In terms of the impact on commercial DMP providers I think that experience has shown that anything that raises the profile of debt and the help available is a good thing. Do not underestimate the negative associations that the word charity has for many consumers by the way. My guess is that commercial providers will see only positive benefits from the higher profile of Stepchange via its advertising strategy.

 

Hi Nick

 

To be honest reading what you have put has made me think a little, but I know the pressure is on as well (I cant quite bring myself to feel sorry though)

 

Joking aside, it would not surprise me at all if this venture backfires here and there and perhaps wIll leave SC hopelessly exposed in places.

 

Reading some sections of their site and a number of their claims you could be forgiven for not realising this was actually a 'charity'

 

They dont seem to want to answer questions or join in the debate, yet they must be spending hefty sums on the advertising (maybe they will tell us how much one day given that they are supposed to be a charity)

 

Its starting to look familiar in more ways than one (it must be the marketing or something)

 

You get the feeling that it is all a little scripted and stage managed, trouble is this can sometimes turn out to be very awkward when the Callan light swings over, and it will eventually, its just a matter of time

 

They cant hide forever.

 

Another thing Nick, where does all this leave the other telephone advice agency National Debtline and their Mymoneysteps site? Could be the flip side of the old hit song " The beds too big without you" - "The beds to little for you to fit in it"

 

A question for you Nick, do you happen to know if the Stepchange advisers use the Cashflow system:)

 

Just my opinions

Edited January 13, 2013 by Wintry

[Nick Pearson]

Hi Wintry, I understand Ridley Scot directed the tv advert, I kid you not. SC will doubtless give details in their charity commission submission but I think what SC is doing is is admirable. I think that National Debtline is vulnerable in any case as its dependent on lender/govt funding and as we all know that is not an esp good place to be. If I had my time again (I worked on the original NDL expansion bid to treasury of £8m) I would have encouraged NDL to set up its own SC style operation so it could generate income rather than referring DMP and IVA cases externally for a share of the fee as at present. Hindsight is a marvellous thing!

[Wintry]

Hi Wintry, I understand Ridley Scot directed the tv advert, I kid you not. SC will doubtless give details in their charity commission submission but I think what SC is doing is is admirable. I think that National Debtline is vulnerable in any case as its dependent on lender/govt funding and as we all know that is not an esp good place to be. If I had my time again (I worked on the original NDL expansion bid to treasury of £8m) I would have encouraged NDL to set up its own SC style operation so it could generate income rather than referring DMP and IVA cases externally for a share of the fee as at present. Hindsight is a marvellous thing!

 

Hi Nick

 

Not sure about the admirable part as it looks too much geared towards DMPs to me and they will come under the spotlight before long.

 

Its a fact in my opinion that if an agency or company depend on income from creditors then their independence and impartiality has to be seriously questioned.

 

I would argue that the above points are proven given the fact that they have had marketing people involved and the adverts etc - some sections of their website also bear this out in my opinion and what expenditure allowance trigger figures do they use and why?

 

I wonder what the adviser team meetings are geared towards (I have my contacts:)

 

There is also a world of difference between miles away telephone advice and face to face advice both for the people in debt and the actual advisers.

 

I agree with the National Debtline situation, they must be shell shocked, "friends don't need friends" Edward G once said.

 

Somewhere back in this thread I think you asked why the NE Derbyshire CAB people developed their own online system, well maybe now you have the full answer.

 

Good post from you Nick and very interesting times ahead this year.

 

Just my opinions again

Edited January 14, 2013 by Wintry

[Wintry]

Hi

 

The completely FREE CAB online assisted self Debt Management System continues to be upgraded to make it smoother and easy to use.

 

http://mymoney.nedcab.org.uk/moneyadvice/dmp.asp

 

It does not suit everybody but many people are turning to manage their own Debt Management Plans (many have little choice)

 

Also welfare reforms are and will be coming thick and fast now and could easily affect millions of people in the coming months and years even with disposable likely to come further under the cosh.

 

Bedroom tax, new council tax schemes, universal credit etc are looming large now, it could get serious folks.

 

Maybe a good idea to read up and prepare as these reforms will have an impact on many, its a fact

 

New CAB info site link with all the forthcoming welfare reforms in one place (I think)

 

http://welfarereform.nedcab.org.uk/

 

Hope this can help people who are struggling

[Guest]

interesting re 'bedroom tax' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21321113

[Wintry]

interesting re 'bedroom tax' http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-21321113

 

Hi Ford

 

Thanks

 

Not seen that article

 

Just doing the maths on £14 & £!6 per week = £60.66 & £69.33 extra per month respectively to find - add other cuts etc and this has to have a serious impact on peoples finances including those currently in debt management plan arrangements and perhaps IVAs even.

 

Serious stuff indeed.

 

The tide is coming in very quickly

 

Chaos on the cards??

[Guest]

hi

also, some info re uni credit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/universal-credit/

[Nick Pearson]

Hi Wintry, the details of the DMP protocol finally revealed! See http://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/insolvencyprofessionandlegislation/policychange/policychange.htm , esp http://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/insolvencyprofessionandlegislation/policychange/DMP/Debt%20Management%20Plan%20Protocol%20060213.doc

[Wintry]

Hi Wintry, the details of the DMP protocol finally revealed! See http://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/insolvencyprofessionandlegislation/policychange/policychange.htm , esp http://www.insolvencydirect.bis.gov.uk/insolvencyprofessionandlegislation/policychange/DMP/Debt%20Management%20Plan%20Protocol%20060213.doc

 

Hi Nick

 

Hows things?

 

Thanks for this, had a quick look, seen a few interesting bits already but will read up properly later as had a few last night so head still not quite in gear yet.

[Guest]

.....as had a few last night head still not quite in gear yet.

 

lock in?

[Wintry]

lock in?

 

Hi

 

Not quite, they stopped serving at 12.30am and out for 1.00 am:)

 

Strange night really, one of my friends wifes called in about 10.30pm, she was a little stern faced because he did not have a drink waiting for her and she then had to fetch her own.

 

Of course the job kicked in and I advised him appropriately on how to deal with situation.

 

He took the advice, but I heard the next day that he wished he hadn't:)

 

I have never really been any good at advising other people.

 

Anyway it was his decision I told him, Ive got enough problems of my own:)

 

And to top it all, I lost at darts...to a woman (she is a good player though)

 

Wish vic was still posting on here:)

Edited February 8, 2013 by Wintry