StepChange says Financial Inclusion Strategy is a once in a generation opportunity for change

^{5 November 2025}

StepChange Debt Charity is delighted to see the Treasury unveil its Financial Inclusion Strategy today, which will bring a much-needed focus on building financial resilience for households most at risk of problem debt.

Peter Tutton, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs at StepChange, said:

"Low financial resilience, a lack of savings and limited access to affordable credit, are some of the biggest challenges that keep people trapped in a cycle of debt. StepChange polling shows that four in ten (21.6 million) UK adults would not be able to meet all of an unexpected £1,000 expense without borrowing. We're pleased to see the Government launch its Financial Inclusion Strategy which is a once in a generation opportunity to offer meaningful, long-term financial resilience for people across the UK.

"Our recent research into coerced debt and economic abuse revealed that impaired credit files can be one of the biggest barriers in preventing victim-survivors from rebuilding financial stability. It's great to see the Government take action to address credit scores as part of the strategy.

"We've welcomed the opportunity to feed into the Strategy and look forward to working closely with the Government and others in the sector as it progresses."