AdviceUK, the UK’s largest network of independent advice services, urges the Government to focus on two priorities in the forthcoming budget – to protect those most at risk from poverty by not introducing further damaging cuts to welfare support and by addressing the chronic underfunding of the overstretched advice sector. In its budget submission last month, AdviceUK highlighted the importance of advice services, which support millions who are most in need, and the sector’s contribution to the economy, resulting in a nearly threefold return on investment for the public purse and easing pressure on already-stretched public services.
Liz Bayram, Chief Executive of AdviceUK said:
“For too long, the advice sector has not been considered a priority by successive governments. The sector is at breaking point with our recent report (1) revealing 88% of surveyed services experienced major recruitment and retention difficulties and only 11% feel extremely confident they can operate beyond next year. Early advice saves homes, jobs, and sometimes lives. With the cost-of-living crisis and the current strain on the welfare system, advice services are the first line of support for many. However, these services struggle to meet skyrocketing demand, which is 40% above the 2018–22 average (2).
”So AdviceUK is calling for independent advice services to be recognised and funded as a key partner in public service delivery. This is not only the right thing to do for the millions of people who rely on advice services, but it is also a sound public value. Every £1 invested in free specialist advice saves around £2.70 in wider public costs by preventing problems from escalating into the NHS, courts and councils, potentially saving the Treasury £4 billion annually (3).“
Liz Bayram continued: “At this budget, we are calling on the Treasury to invest in a National Advice Workforce Strategy to alleviate pressures on underfunded and overstretched agencies. A strategy would help ensure the sector is fully staffed to be able to meet client demand and support the roll-out of wider government policies, such as Neighbourhood Health Centres and Best Start Family Hubs. It builds on the success of similar approaches in other sectors such as childcare and social care.
“We also urge the Government not to introduce any further damaging cuts to welfare and want to see the punishing two-child benefit cap lifted. These drive poverty and will increase pressure on advice services.”
Notes to Editors
Footnotes:
About AdviceUK:
AdviceUK is a national charity and the largest network of independent advice centres in the UK, delivering free specialist advice to millions of people each year on a diverse range of issues. Run by and for its nearly 700 members, we provide support, a community and development opportunities for members, as well as a voice on issues that affect them.
Press contacts
Ceren Gunel, Press Officer: press@adviceuk.org.uk or 07955 296206
