StepChange News and Views. November 2024

StepChange News and Views. November 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of StepChange News and Views. 

In this update: 

The latest news from StepChange 

  • StepChange named ‘Debt Advice Provider of the Year’ 

  • Simon’s story: £7000 in DMP fees! 

  • Save the date: Debt Awareness Week 2025 

  • Supporting the conversation: Meeting the needs of those in problem debt 

Our latest research and insight 

  • Gen Z and their money: Webinar exploring our latest insights 

  • Exploring the impacts of outdated Council Tax collection practices 

StepChange responds 

  • Budget announcement: Impact for those in debt and financial support 

  • Government announces plans to regulate BNPL 


The latest news from StepChange 

StepChange named ‘Debt Advice Provider of the Year’ 

We’re absolutely delighted to have been recognised as ‘Debt Advice Provider of the Year’ at this year’s Collections and Vulnerability Awards. This honour is particularly meaningful as it was voted for by members of our partner network.  

Looking ahead, we’re thrilled to announce that early next year, we’ll be sharing our latest Impact Report - a celebration of 2024’s remarkable achievements, including the work that earned us this prestigious award. Don’t miss out - make sure you’re on our mailing list by signing up here.

Simon’s story: £7000 in DMP fees! 

Simon’s story highlights the harsh reality of paying high fees on a Debt Management Plan and the importance of free debt advice. Thanks to our partnership with ClearScore, more people like Simon are accessing the support they need to regain control of their finances and build a brighter future. Read Simon’s story

Purple background with white headline text stating, Don't pay for a DMP. Sub-text states, Get free, expert debt advice. 

Orange speech bubble stating 'Choose free debt advice'.

Help us to support more customers like Simon: Ensuring your customers are referred into free debt advice can make a world of difference. We have a range of referral tools to easily support your customers when they need it most. How can StepChange help my customers? 

Save the date: Debt Awareness Week 2025 

We’re excited to announce that Debt Awareness Week will be from Monday 24 – Sunday 30 March 2025. Our partner toolkit will be available soon, but for now, mark your calendars and share the date with your marketing team! If you would like to explore DAW collaboration opportunities, email partnerships@stepchange.org

Purple background with white headline text stating, March 2025. Save the date.

Orange coin with black text stating, 'Debt Awareness Week 24-30 March'.

 

Supporting the conversation: Meeting the needs of those in problem debt 

Earlier this month, we attended the MALG (Money Advice Liaison Group) event to discuss pressing matters and collaborate with key organisations on innovative solutions for improving the lives of people experiencing problem debt. 

StepChange Relationship Managers stood behind a table, hosting the StepChange stand at the MALG event.
Relationship Managers James Barkworth and Samuel Oliver-Jones hosting our stand at the event.

Our latest reports

Gen Z and their money: Webinar exploring our latest insights

We recently hosted a webinar exploring the findings of our latest report, Debts early grip: The challenges facing young adults, which launched on Wednesday 27 November.

In this session, we uncovered the unique financial pressures young people are facing today and discussed how best to support a generation navigating the complexities of managing money.

The webinar featured insights from experts, including:

  • Dr Lindsey Appleyard, Assistant Professor Research at Coventry University – A leading voice in financial inclusion, with recent work focusing on young people’s (aged 18-24) experiences of borrowing and their use of unsecured credit.
  • Sarah Kirby, Lead Trainer at MyBnk – A charity dedicated to fostering financial fluency through expert-led, impactful education programmes that bring the language of money to life.

If you missed it, you can watch the webinar by following this link. Feel free to share it with your colleagues!

Exploring the impacts of outdated Council Tax collection practices 

Our latest report, ‘Looking through the keyhole’, delves into the lived experiences of our debt advice clients, highlighting their challenges with council tax and the outdated collection practices that are exacerbating the difficulties faced by vulnerable customers. The findings highlight an urgent need for change in how council tax debt is collected. Discover our key insights and recommendations in the full report


StepChange responds 

Budget announcement: StepChange responds 

We were pleased to see the Chancellor announce action on reducing unaffordable Universal Credit deductions and an extension of the Household Support Fund. However, more support is needed, particularly for those struggling with energy debt. Read our full response.  

Government announces plans to regulate Buy Now, Pay Later 

StepChange has long advocated for regulations to safeguard consumers and is delighted to see the government taking action to regulate the Buy Now, Pay Later sector. Read our response. 


Keep up to date with our latest news, as it happens, over on TikTok.


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