The government has launched a new free national advice service called Moneymadeclear. The service offers free advice from independent financial experts via a number of means, with face to face sessions available, as well as online help or a telephone helpline. The government is jointly funding the service with the Financial Services Authority, after a trial version in the North of England proved successful, helping an estimated half a million people.
Chancellor Alistair Darling said the service offers impartial advice on any financial issue, from opening a savings account for yourself or for your children, to repaying debts or taking out a mortgage . Since the onset of the economic downturn, there has been concern over the ability of hard up borrowers to keep up with debt repayments, while the unavailability of new credit makes it even harder to struggling consumers.
Face to face financial advice will be provided in the offices of organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureaux. The service will cost £20 million in its first year, and the future cost of the service will be funded by using money from dormant savings accounts .






