Low-income Highland families quids in with advice service

Families in the Highlands can benefit from free financial advice service to help them save money.

Low-income families who seek free financial advice from the Money Talk Team are on average now £1,850 better off.

The Money Talk Team is on hand to help parents in the Highlands who are struggling to pay their bills at the end of the month look at ways to save money, reduce household bills and check they are getting what they are entitled to.

With around 450,000 cases of unclaimed benefits in Scotland, it can help low-income families in the Highlands identify what financial support might be available.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “The Money Talk Team is making a huge difference to the thousands of families that have already taken advantage of this free service.

“The friendly, experienced advisers talk callers through the options available, letting them know exactly what they are entitled to and helping them save money.

“But there are still too many families out there not getting what they should be.

“If you’re a parent in the Highlands struggling to pay the bills at the end of the month, you’re not alone. It doesn’t matter if you’re in or out of work, one call to the free phoneline is all it takes to get some advice that could be a massive help to your household.”

Money Talk Team is the new name for Financial Health Check, which started in 2018 and is delivered by Citizens Advice network in Scotland. It can be accessed through their free helpline on 0800 085 7145 or by visiting a local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Citizens Advice Scotland Chief Executive Derek Mitchell said: “With a footprint in every community across Scotland and 80 years of experience of delivering confidential and impartial advice, the Citizens Advice network in Scotland is uniquely placed to deliver the Money Talk Team service.

“People should be claiming what they are due. That’s how the system works; we all pay in and get support when we need it.”

Advice is available from the Money Talk Team on 0800 085 7145 and at local Citizens Advice Bureau.