Government debt consolidation loans and advice

In adverts, some debt management companies use phrases like:

• Government debt consolidation
• Government debt advice

These companies want you to think that they are backed by the government. But in fact, there is no such thing.

Adverts like this aim to trick you into thinking these debt consolidation services are free or official. But these companies charge a fee to provide the same services that are free from charities like us.

Similar companies will ask for fees to set up an IVA. They might do this without telling you all of your options.

What is meant by ‘government debt consolidation loans’?

There are some government backed ways to deal with debts. The UK and Scottish governments have introduced some formal debt solutions.

These debt solutions include:

• Bankruptcy – or sequestration and minimal asset process in Scotland
• Debt relief orders (DROs)
• Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs)
• Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) – Scotland only

Read our guide to the differences between debt management and debt consolidation.

What is being done about these ‘government debt consolidation’ adverts?

These adverts are misleading.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) regulate the debt advice sector. They have:

• Taken action against some companies to stop this type of advertising
• Committed to continue to bring these types of companies to account

This means you should not see any more fee-charging companies advertising debt consolidation in this way. But if you do, please remember that:

• You should get free debt advice before choosing any solution
• You should never have to pay to get debt advice
• Debt consolidation could be an option for you, but there are risks
  
  • Especially if you may find it hard to keep up with payments over time

We are here to help

Get free debt advice online. We will help you find the best solution for your situation.