Introducing: Kate Wells

When I first saw this role, I knew it was the perfect fit.

After over five years working in the debt advice sector, most recently as a debt caseworker and adviser, I’ve helped many individuals navigate complex financial issues. This work involved securing debt write-offs, assisting with benefit applications, and creating tailored financial stability plans. I worked closely with debt collectors, local authorities, and utility companies to ensure the best outcomes for the people I supported.

Through this experience, I’ve seen firsthand how financial stress affects people, particularly those with mental health problems. It became clear that financial issues are often amplified for people already struggling with their mental health. I wanted to have more  impact on the system, so I applied for this role to contribute to broader, evidence-based solutions.

Since joining, I’ve been able to hit the ground running. I’ve already contributed a lot, drawing on my in-depth knowledge of the benefits system and the debt advice sector. One area I’m particularly passionate about is our ongoing campaign to end the Council Tax Trap, which disproportionately harms people with mental health problems.

Through my years of experience working with local authorities and debt collectors, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the damage council tax debt collection practices can cause for people in financial distress. There’s simply no reason why someone should be expected to pay a full year of council tax just a few weeks after missing a single payment. This harsh system disproportionately impacts people in vulnerable circumstances, especially people with mental health problems.

What concerns me most is the use of bailiffs in the collection process. Bailiff tactics are inherently unfair, playing on people’s fear rather than accounting for their ability to pay. For people living with mental health problems, the arrival of a bailiff letter or visit can trigger severe anxiety and panic, exacerbating already difficult symptoms. I’ve witnessed firsthand how this distress can lead people to agreeing to unaffordable repayment plans, just to end the overwhelming fear of further action. This worsens their financial situation and creates a cycle of stress and hardship that is hard to escape.

There’s a significant need for change  and I believe that Money and Mental Health is well-positioned to lead the charge. The charity’s commitment to advocating for people affected by these issues, and its dedication to creating change, resonates strongly with me.

I’m eager to leverage my expertise in the benefits system, the debt landscape, and the specific challenges faced by people with mental health problems to drive meaningful change. Throughout my career in health charities, and through my personal experiences within the health benefits system, I’ve gained a unique perspective on the difficulties people with mental health problems face when it comes to accessing financial support.

Having personally journeyed through the application and assessment process for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), I understand how frustrating and disempowering it can be. Many people with mental health problems are denied support, often due to a misunderstanding of how these conditions manifest. I’ve worked with people who struggled to prove their need for assistance, and I’ve seen how difficult it can be to convince assessors that a person’s symptoms are debilitating enough to warrant financial support.

People with mental health conditions are at a higher risk of receiving lower PIP payments or being initially denied, due to the way assessments are conducted. The government’s impending changes to the PIP system will only exacerbate these issues.

I bring my passion, knowledge, and experience to the Money and Mental Health team. I can’t wait to do more to support the Research and Policy team in identifying areas of change and advocating for evidence-based reforms. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and help shape recommendations that truly make a difference.

You can read more about our Council Tax Trap campaign here, and learn more about our recent research into the harm caused by council tax collection here.

To help to shape our ongoing research and recommendations, please consider joining our Research Community.