MAS announces debt advice local authority roundtable dates

The Money Advice Service (MAS) has announced a number of roundtable dates whereby they are looking to bring together local authorities and debt advice providers to achieve greater collaboration, drive efficiency gains and help more people in problem debt.

Many local authorities have strategies in place to support people in financial difficulty, which includes established partnerships with impartial debt advice providers. Yet many local authorities are out-of-step with this approach. This is why we are working with local authorities and the debt advice sector to produce a strategic toolkit for local authorities that wish to explore a more supportive collections strategy. MAS recognises that Local Authorities have unique debt collection challenges that differ from those of the financial services sector.

The events, co-hosted with Citizens Advice, StepChange Debt Charity and the Money Advice Trust, will be an opportunity to debate and capture best practice in the following areas:

• Effective local authority debt advice referral strategies
• Handling financial statements and payment proposals from debt advice provider
• Engagement and partnership work with the debt advice sector, including effective liaison touchpoints
• How debt advice agencies can support local authorities with key messages for residents in financial difficulty

The Money Advice Services is looking to invite representatives from relevant organisations to participate in the roundtables.  The agenda of the day is likely to suit Directors of Finance, Heads of Revenues and Benefits, Revenues Managers or specialists involved in the collection of council tax, rent or sundry debts. The roundtables will take place at the following places:

• Cardiff – Wednesday 1 November 2017
• Birmingham – Thursday 2 November 2017
• Leeds – Friday 17 November 2017
• Manchester – Thursday 7 December 2017

Places will be limited so if you would like to register to attend then click here.