Our latest media coverage
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February 2019
Number of charities say bailiffs 'continue to flout rules' and need regulating - and majority of Britons agree not enough is being done
This is Money - 15 February 2019
Phil Andrew, our chief executive is quoted as saying only formal regulation can solve the problems in the bailiff sector, as part of coverage of our call for improved bailiff regulation.
Public ‘demand rogue bailiffs be locked out’ (£)
The Times - 15 Feburary 2019
Tougher regulations to combat rogue bailiffs are considered “long overdue” by the public, charities, including us, have told the government.
New research on resolving personal debt problems
Ekkelisa - 15 February 2019
Early findings from major new research by us, released as part of Debt Awareness Week, show what variations in progress typically arise among different groups of clients after taking debt advice.
The debt solution marketed as a life hack on social media: Record numbers open IVAs - but what are they and can you really write off 85% of your debt?
This is Money - 14 February 2019
Peter Tutton, our head of policy, says this represents a continuation of the rising trend we have seen in recent years.
Universal Credit five-week wait ‘sets Brits up to fail’ and loads up families with debt from day one, charities warn
The Sun - 13 February 2019
Experts, including StepChange, said the long wait for cash was still a huge issue.
May winces under PMQ ‘friendly fire’ over UC
24 Housing - 13 February 2019
The Work and Pensions Committee took evidence on how thinly stretched the social safety net had become. Peter Tutton is a committee witness.
Progress on debt typically spiky not smooth
CCR Magazine - 13 February 2019
Early findings from major new research by us, released as part of the charity’s Debt Awareness Week, show what variations in progress typically arise among different groups of clients.
StepChange research shows that debt resolution is not a smooth process
Credit Connect - 13 February 2019
More coverage of our client outcomes survey.
Welfare safety net: evidence on debt, hunger and homelessness
Parliament UK - 12 February 2019
Peter Tutton, our head of policy, gave evidence to a Commons Select Committee.
I quit my job to care for my dying mum – but Universal Credit five-week wait ruined my life
The Sun - 12 February 2019
Daniel Knowles now owes around £4,000 in catalogue debt.
Our study finds indebtedness among low income households worsened under government austerity measures
University of Hertfordshire - 11 February 2019
Rising demand for debt advice corroborates the intensifying debt pressures amongst low income households - our client data is quoted.
Low income households under austerity: a notable rise in debt for essential needs
LSE British Politics and Policy blog - 11 February 2019
Rising demand for debt advice corroborates the intensifying debt pressures amongst low income households. Cites our data.
BrightHouse to offer new loan where customers pay almost double what they borrow
The Mirror - 10 February 2019
Quotes our client statistics: up to 1.4 million people on lower incomes relied on high-cost credit firms last year.
Debt-laden families borrowing THIRD more than they earn, shock figures reveal
The Sun - 5 February 2019
Peter Tutton, our head of policy, says the figures lay bare the cost of living crisis hitting families.
Fury as energy bills soar again: Price cap hike row as Big Six make huge profits
Express - 5 February 2019
In the first half of 2018, just under 15 percent of our new clients were behind on either a gas or electricity bill.
January 2019
A quarter of Brits start New Year feeling troubled about their finances
Adviser Points of View - 31 January 2019
65% of clients surveyed by us said they have felt this way for more than a year
Everything you need to know about the government saving scheme giving away 'free money'
Somerset Live 29 January 2019
Phil Andrew, our chief executive, is encouraging claimants to take part in the savings plan.
StepChange responds on Breathing Space
CCR Magazine - 29 January 2019
Our press release in response to HM Treasury's Breathing Space consultation.
Debt charities respond to 'breathing space' consultation
Credit Connect - January 2019
We welcome the principle of extending statutory protection, with caveats. Phil Andrew, our CEO is quoted.
£500,000 funding boost for charity that helps low income families
East Durham News - 29 January 2019
We published a report showing an increase in the number of households relying on high interest credit to stay afloat.
Thousands of people on Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits are missing out on free money
Stoke Sentinel - 28 January 2019
A number of regional publications have quoted our CEO's comments about Unviersal Credit.
A financial watchdog has released high-cost credit figures for the first time
The Big Issue - 28 January 2019
Richard Lane, our director of external affairs, says the latest FCA show payday lending is on the rise again.
Fraudster secretly stole thousands from girlfriend and left her suicidal
Eastern Daily Press
We helped the victim of fraud who was left paying off thousands of pounds.
Universal Credit and Working Tax Credits claimants 'missing out on free money' from Government
Birmingham Live - 25 January 2019
Phil Andrew, our chief executive, is encouraging claimants to take part in the savings plan.
Surge in payday loans raises concerns about consumer debt
Money Wise - 25 January 2019
Sue Anderson, our media and PR manager, says reports on payday lending being on the rise again match what we're seeing among our clients.
£500,000 Northstar Ventures boost set to help low income families
Bdaily - 25 January 2019
This story references our report showing an increase in the number of households relying on high interest credit to stay afloat.
Payday loan broker Quick Loans charging up to 1,575% interest wants people to go to PRISON for getting into debt
The Sun - 24 January 2019
In response, Richard Lane, our external affairs director, says rather than "living beyond their means" most people in debt have ended up there because of a shock to their income.
How to get out of debt: Your ten-step plan to getting your finances back under control
Daily Mail - 24 January 2019
It is recommended to contact us for help with budgeting and dealing with debt problems.
Klarna payments UK: is buy-now-pay-later luring young people into debt?
Love Money - 22 January 2019
In this article about the potential risks of 'buy now, pay later' products, our client statistics are quoted. We're seeing more under-25s seeking debt help.
Revealed: Three million low-income workers missing out on 'free money' as 80,000 sign up to Help to Save scheme that offers £1,200 bonus
This is Money - 22 January 2019
Our CEO, Phil Andrew, says it's vital the government make a real effort to promote the 'Help to Save' scheme if it is to have the desired result.
Support is available for those worried about money
Daily Record - 22 January 2019
In 2018, nearly 20,000 people in Scotland contacted debt charity StepChange, an increase of 47 per cent since 2013.
One in four people are worried about debt this January
Yorkshire Post - 22 January 2019
Debt worries linked to spending from two years ago are blighting huge numbers of Leeds residents. Our media and PR manager, Sue Anderson, comments on a new debt survey.
A quarter of people stress over finances on Blue Monday
Money Age 22 January 2019
More than a quarter of people (27%) have started the new year feeling uneasy about their finances - coverage of our 'Blue Monday' survey.
More than one in four people remain uneasy about finances this Blue Monday
International Finance - 21 January 2019
More coverage of our 'Blue Monday' survey.
More than a quarter of people uneasy about finances
Credit Strategy - 21 January 2019
More than one in four people started the New Year feeling uneasy about their finances, our survey has revealed.
Blue Monday: More than one in four people uneasy about finances
Credit Connect - 21 January 2019
More coverage of our 'Blue Monday' survey.
Essex & Suffolk Water wants to help you beat the January blues
Essex TV - 21 January 2019
We partner with this water company to provide a comprehensive programme of help for people in arrears and struggling to pay their bills.
'I cancelled mobile contract with Three through its web chat and then debt agency chased me' - is it ever wise to cancel online?
This is Money - 21 January 2019
We provide advice for if you're contacted by a creditor or debt collection agency about a debt
Blue Monday – how not to let money get you down
What Investment - 21 January 2019
A survey carried out by YouGov on our behalf revealed that more than a quarter of us started the New Year feeling uneasy about our finances.
Justice Select Committee on baillif reform
Parliament Live TV - 15 January 2019
Peter Tutton, head of policy, gave evidence based on our clients' experiences of dealing with bailiffs.
Worried about money? Get advice now
Daily Record - 15 January 2019
In 2018, nearly 20,000 people in Scotland contacted debt charity StepChange, an increase of 47 per cent since 2013.
Water - one less thing to worry about
The Northern Echo - 14 January 2019
Advice for people struggling to pay their water bills from our partner Northumbrian Water.
Rogue Bailiffs Are 'Inflicting Misery On Vulnerable People', Fuelling Youth Suicide And Draining Pensioners Of Cash
Huffington Post - 9 January 2019
There is cross-party support for improved bailiff regulation, which we campaign for.
Cash-strapped Newcastle man left struggling to afford food due to 'drug' of Wonga loans
Newcastle Chronicle - 9 January 2019
One of our clients shares his story as part of Michael Sheen's 'End High Cost Credit Alliance' campaign work.
UK unsecured debt approaches unprecedented levels
WCL News 8 January 2019
Our CEO, Phil Andrew, is quoted commmenting on the latest debt figures.
Debt crisis: British families face £15k misery
Express - 8 January 2019
Richard Lane, our director of policy, comments our clients' experiences.
Sants stakes reputation on guidance body success
Citywire - 9 January 2019
The launch of the long-awaited single financial guidance body (SFGB), headed up by our former chair, Sir Hector Sants.
Household debt is now higher than it was in the 2008 financial crisis
The Big Issue - 9 January 2019
Problem debt is not confined to consumer credit, says Richard Lane.
My Shopping Addiction Landed Me 25k In Debt
Refinery 29 - 9 January 2019
We provide advice for people in this situation.
John Griffith-Jones to chair StepChange Debt Charity
Best Advice - 7 January 2019
Report on the announcement of our new chair.
Debt charity names Hector Sants successor
Financial News London - 7 January 2019
John Griffith-Jones, a former chair of the FCA, takes over at StepChange
StepChange announces new chair
Credit Connect - 7 January 2019
Report on the announcement of our new chair.
Who's Moving: Battersea, Big Issue Invest, Royal Life Saving Society UK and more
Civil Society - 7 January 2019
Round up of senior appointments, including our new chair
Investor submits plans for 17-storey office and retail development in Leeds
Yorkshire Post - 7 January 2019
Report on the planning application for the building that will house our new offices
John Griffith-Jones to chair StepChange Debt Charity
Credit Strategy - 7 January 2019
Report on the announcement of our new chair.
Britain owes £72.5bn on credit cards as households pile on debt despite fears for economy
Independent - 5 January 2019
Sue Anderson says credit cards are the single most common issue the charity encounters. And our advice about bailiffs video is featured.
More credit unions failing but membership growing
CCR Magazine - 4 January 2019
Phil Andrew's response to the latest Bank of England consumer credit figures.
More credit unions failing but membership growing
Money Marketing - 4 January 2019
We warn that while credit growth is slowing, we should not lose sight of continued indebtedness in many consumers’ personal finances.
More credit unions failing but membership growing
BBC News - 4 January 2019
Phil Andrew is quoted on the importance of credit unions and community lenders.
How to get out of debt in 2019
Mail Online - 4 January 2019
Expert tips on what you can do to help get yourself out of the red in the New Year - quotes our client data.
December 2018
How to cure a Christmas debt hangover
Independent - 28 December
Our advice on prioritising bills is included in this informative guide to dealing with debt.
Debt crisis: 3 MILLION Britons struggle to pay bills – 25% admit finances out of control
Express 27 - December
Nearly 40 percent of our new clients were behind on at least one essential charge last year.
Hard-pressed families may spend four times the amount they need to on popular gifts this Christmas by paying weekly with rent-to-own firms
This is Money - 19 December
Grace Brownfield, senior public policy advocate, is quoted.
BBC News: FCA announces crackdown on overdrafts
BBC News at One - 18 December
Our Director of External Affairs is interviewed (20 minutes into the broadcast) about the FCA's announcement about overdrafts and high cost credit.
Vanessa Feltz current affairs show
BBC Radio London - 18 December
Vanessa Feltz also interviews Richard Lane about this topic.
Banks to be banned from charging ‘rip-off’ overdraft fees in FCA crackdown
Independent - 18 December
Our head of policy, Peter Tutton, welcomes the “robust” proposals from the FCA.
Massive changes to overdraft charges revealed - here's what's affected
The Mirror - 18 December
Peter Tutton says the FCA proposals "should help to disrupt the toxic 'debt spiral' effect that overdrafts can create".
Overdraft charges set for ‘biggest shake-up in a generation’
MSN - 18 December
Peter Tutton is also quoted commenting on the FCA proposals.
FCA hammers banks in clampdown on overdraft fees
London Evening Standard - 18 December
More coverage of our response to the FCA's proposals.
FCA takes important steps to making overdrafts fairer, says StepChange
CCR Magazine - 18 December
Further coverage of our response to the FCA's proposals.
Excessive bank fees for unarranged overdrafts to be banned
The Guardian - 18 December
We welcomed the ban on unauthorised overdraft charges.
Our CEO, Phil Andrew's comments on the FCA's announcement
The Express - 18 December (via Press Reader)
Phil urges us to spare a thought for the 2.1 million people who spent the whole of 2016 overdrawn.
The FCA is cracking down on overdraft fees to protect vulnerable customers
The Big Issue - 18 December
Further coverage of our response to the FCA's proposals.
Martin Lewis advises the ‘best route’ to clearing debt with management tips and help
Express - 17 December 2017
The Money Saving Expert cites us a source for getting debt help.
Is Your Mental Health Making You Broke?
Refinery 29 - 13 December 2018
We are mentioned as a source of debt advice.
How do I get out of debt?
Love Money - 12 December 2018
It is recommended to use our 60 second debt test to find out if you need help with problem debt.
Citizens Advice Cornwall calls for regulator to rein in bailiffs
Falmouth Packet - 11 December 2018
Our statistics on bailiffs breaking the rules are quoted.
Barclays customers now able to “switch off” certain spending
Credit Strategy - 11 December 2018
Our head of policy, Peter Tutton, is quoted on this new development.
Is Klarna’s Buy-Now-Pay-Later Service Encouraging Young People To Get Into Debt?
Gadgette - 10 December 2018
Peter Tutton, our head of policy, says credit should never be marketed as a flippant thing or something easy and convenient.
Martin Lewis: Trapped by debt? Money Saving Expert reveals top tip to solve debt problems
Express - 10 December 2018
Martin Lewis recommends getting in touch with us, or other advice providers.
Money: Take steps now to avoid New Year festive debt trap
The Sunday Post - 8 December 2018
People are being tipped into debt by festive spending – we share advice on surviving the festive season.
Northumbrian Water commits to eradicate water poverty by 2030
Water Briefing - 6 December 2018
We work with Northumbrian Water, providing all-round support and solutions to overcome the challenges of debt.
No-interest loans could open up access to credit
Credit Strategy - 5 December 2018
An opinion piece by our CEO, Phil Andrew (log in required).
Mum-of-three feels trapped by £8,355 high-cost credit debt and poverty premium
The Sun - 5 December 2018
This story is backed up by our estimate that 1.4million lower-income households resorted to high-cost credit in the last year.
Self-employed workers are struggling with debt according to reports
NE Connected - 6 December 2018
Our data is quoted: self-employed carry four times as much debt as those that are employed full-time.
November
Credit card borrowing slows as economic fears grow
Your Money - 30 November 2018
Peter Tutton, head of policy, comments on the latest credit statistics released by the Bank of England.
StepChange comments on latest Bank of England Money & Credit data
CCR Magazine - 30 November 2018
The charity's views on the latest Bank of England and Credit report.
Annual growth of consumer credit slows
Credit Connect - 30 November 2018
Our response to the latest Bank of England and Credit report.
IN THE RED Mum plans to go bankrupt due to £20k debts
Scottish Sun - 30 November 2018
We are recommended as a source of debt advice in this account of a woman's money problems creating a stir on the Mumsnet forum.
Ministry of Justice issues call for evidence over bailiff reforms
Credit Strategy - 28 November 2018
Coverage of our long-running campaign for bailiff reform.
5 expert tips to avoid a Christmas debt hangover
Daily Mail - 26 November 2018
Sue Anderson from our Media Affairs team shares tips, as we often see a surge in cries for help around new year.
High hopes for rent-to-own clampdown but experts warn UK’s poorest will still struggle
Independent - 23 November 2018
“The most financially vulnerable households cannot be left with no choice but the highest price on the high street." Peter Tutton, head of policy, is quoted.
FCA double whammy crackdown on rent-to-own price caps is welcome, says StepChange
CCR Magazine - 23 November 2018
Our response to the FCA's announcement about the rent-to-own sector.
FCA puts forward rent-to-own price cap
Credit Strategy- 23 November 2018
Peter Tutton, head of policy, shares his thoughts on the FCA announcement about measures being taken on rent-to-own.
Reducing the impact of financial worries
FT Adviser - 22 November 2018
What to do if you think one of your employees is struggling with debt. It's recommended you refer them to us for advice.
New report on debt and housing in the private rented sector
Ekklesia - 19 November 2018
The government should review the suitability of the private rented sector for housing vulnerable people - article based on our 'Locked Out' housing report.
How to teach your children about the value of money
i News - 16 November 2018
Two thirds of people who contacted us in the first half of 2018 were under 40.
Let’s ban the bailiffs who terrorise disabled people
Yorkshire Post - 15 November 2018
Rule-breaking bailiffs are causing stress, anxiety and financial hardship, according to research published by Citizens Advice and StepChange.
Landlords forcing people in debt to pay more to rent - your rights
The Mirror - 15 November 2018
The private rented sector is not meeting the housing needs of people with vulnerabilities and debt problems - article based on our 'Locked Out' housing report.
Evictions of vulnerable tenants should be made tougher, insists group
Letting Agent Today- 15 November 2018
The private rented sector is not meeting the housing needs of people with vulnerabilities and debt problems - article based on our 'Locked Out' housing report.
Private rented sector not meeting needs of those in problem debt, says charity
Letting Agent Today- 15 November 2018
People often experienced a “debt premium” in the form of paying higher deposits as well as needing guarantors, while some put up with problems because of the worry of eviction - article based on our 'Locked Out' housing report.
Private rented sector not meeting needs of those in problem debt, says charity
Press Association (Aol) - 15 November 2018
Article based on our 'Locked Out' housing report.