13
MAPPING THE DEBT
ADVICE LANDSCAPE.
service
New insights from a Scotland-wide report.
It’s the most comprehensive review of money
advisory services to ever be undertaken in
Scotland – and a piece of research that could
inform the way future provision is administered
and monitored across the UK. Published in August, the joint
Improvement Service and Money Advice Service report is
the interim result of an ongoing two-year project looking
at money advice services delivered and commissioned by
Scottish local authorities.
As well as reviewing those services, the Improving Outcomes
in Money Advice report identifies the cost of support and
makes recommendations for more efficient partnerships
between local authorities and debt advisory agencies.
Here co-author Sandra Sankey outlines some of its key
findings – and suggests how they might provide a
framework for progress. As she says: “This is the biggest
project of its kind for a decade in Scotland so provides
genuine and often surprising insights.
“One of the most startling was that local authorities are the
main provider of services in Scotland – spending £20 million
a year. And, although there is a diverse landscape of advice
provision – which can result in greater choice and innovation
– it also results in overlaps and gaps. With that in mind we
feel there is scope here for more development and
partnership between agencies - including the Scottish Legal
Aid Board (SLAB), Big Lottery, Scottish Government, Money
Advice Service and local authorities.
“There is also a need to work harder to address the needs
of the most vulnerable clients. Improving access and
visibility is important here too. Improving the opportunity
for more channel shifting is another area for development,
while increased web and telephone access would improve
engagement and assisted self-help would improve efficiency
and free-up frontline advisors.
“A national triage service approach has also been talked about
- one clear route into the service before referral to the most
appropriate source of support. We also feel referral networks
need to be strengthened between money advice providers
and national/local partners, and the health sector. Whole
‘single tracking referral systems’ could stren