Launched in 2018, the Money Talk Team has helped 3,198 people save more than £6 million. Households benefit by more than £1,850 on average.
Money Talk Team, operated by Citizens Advice Scotland, offers a one-stop, personalised advice on dealing with debt and ways to reduce household bills.
With around 450,000 cases of unclaimed benefits in Scotland, Money Talk Team advisors can also help low-income families identify what financial support might be available to them.
The SNP Government is supporting the service with funding of £3.3 million over two years and on 19 August 2019 launched a national marketing campaign to introduce the Money Talk Team and encourage people to call their helpline on 0800 085 7145.
Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell MSP said:
“The Money Talk Team is making a huge difference to the thousands of families that have already taken advantage of this free service.
“The friendly, experienced advisers talk callers through the options available, letting them know exactly what they are entitled to and helping them save money.
“However, there are still too many families out there not getting what they should be.
“If you’re a parent struggling to pay the bills at the end of the month, you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out of work, one call to the free phoneline is all it takes to get some advice that could be a massive help to your household.”
Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell added:
“With a footprint in almost every community across Scotland and 80 years of experience of delivering confidential and impartial advice, the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is uniquely placed to deliver the Money Talk Team service.
“People should claim what they are due. That’s how the system is supposed to work; we all pay in and are supported when we need it.
“With it being the start of a new school year, this is the perfect time for families to see if they are entitled to extra cash that could be paying for back to school essentials, or if they could be paying less for utilities or on council tax.”
Kenneth Gibson MSP commented:
“Citizens Advice Scotland is offering families help to ascertain what they might be entitled to.
“The Money Talk Team can provide invaluable advice on ways to save cash, cheaper deals on utilities and electricity, benefit claims, and grants or exemptions.
“I encourage anyone who feels they could benefit from that kind of advice to make the most of an excellent service which has already helped thousands of families across Scotland.”
Advice is available from the Money Talk Team on 0800 085 7145.
The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
For more information, please visit: https://www.parentclub.scot/articles/who-are-money-talk-team .
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