Rachel Fergusson, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
Online Safety Bill: Martin Lewis calls on MPs to include scam ads
20 October 2021
On Monday afternoon, our founder and chair Martin Lewis appeared in front of the Joint Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill, calling for scam adverts to be included in the scope of the legislation. He urged MPs and Peers to remove the “farcical” distinction between user-generated scams – which are included in the Bill – and paid-for scam adverts which are not covered. He also made the case to place an onus on big tech companies to clean up what they publish online.
Martin was called to give evidence to the Joint Committee as part of the pre-legislative process, which will see the details of the Bill scrutinised and make recommendations for changes before it proceeds through the Houses of Parliament. This flagship Bill proposes to tackle harmful content online, and make the UK the safest place in the world to be online. But as it stands, there’s a gaping hole in the proposed legislation which leaves millions of people unprotected from one of the most common and devastating types of scams that appear online – scam adverts. Money and Mental Health is just one of the many charities, regulators, and consumer groups urging the government to use this opportunity to tackle online scams once and for all, by including scam adverts and placing greater responsibility on tech companies.
Problems with the Bill
Last month, we submitted written evidence to the Joint committee highlighting the Bill’s flawed and inconsistent approach to tackling online scams. The most pressing failure of the Bill is the arbitrary distinction it makes between user-generated scams, referring to unsponsored social media posts, and paid-for scam adverts. While the move to address online scams posted by users is welcome – as Martin made clear – creating a distinction between the two provides an easy loophole for scammers and an incentive for them to run more scam ads. Any attempt to crack down on scams is rendered useless if scammers can get around it by paying small amounts of money to turn their scams into adverts – which would remain untouched by the Bill if it passes in its current form.
Why it needs fixing now
The prevalence and severity of online scams mean they must be considered a priority harm by government and tech companies. Scam adverts are simply too common to be ignored by the Bill – with half of adults reporting seeing a scam ad on social media at least once a month – and the cost for victims too high.
Drawing on our research, which found that three in ten (28%) victims of online scams have felt depressed as a result of being scammed, Martin spoke passionately to the committee about those whose lives had been “destroyed” by scammers and the impact on mental health. Indeed, the consequences of being scammed go far beyond losing money. The psychological toll is huge, leading to negative feelings like stress, loss of confidence and worsened symptoms of mental health problems. A member of our Research Community told us:
“I don’t have any spare money and the loss hit me financially and mentally. I get angry at myself for being taken in, it makes me feel vulnerable and weak.” Research Community member
Instead of including it in the Bill, the government says scam adverts will be considered as part of a future consultation on advertising regulation by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. But regulation through this means wouldn’t take effect for several years, and it is clear that action is needed now to mitigate the financial and psychological harm inflicted by scam adverts.
Duty of big tech
The question of where responsibility lies looms large over discussions about tackling online scams. To date, the UK’s approach to fraudulent advertising has been based on a model of self-regulation, while social media companies and search engines responsible for publishing the adverts have largely been left off the hook. During the evidence session, Martin criticised social media companies for “making billions of pounds from advertising” while being complacent about screening adverts for content which has the potential to cause significant financial and psychological damage. If the government is serious about ending the epidemic of scams, it must place greater responsibility on these platforms to identify and remove content before it has the chance to cause harm.
”Pushy’ online retailers leave people with mental health problems at risk of lockdown debt’
November 10, 2020
‘Council tax collection practices are so aggressive they’d make the banks blush’ — Up to 2m people with mental health problems are at risk of hideous harms, warns Martin Lewis’ charity.
Research published Money and Mental Health exposes local council debt collection practices — showing them to be far more aggressive than financial firms, and driving unacceptable harms that disproportionately affect people with mental health problems.
September 09, 2024“Budget fails to deal with enormous financial and mental pressures facing millions”
October 27, 2021
“Help-seekers and multi-strugglers”: Who felt the worst mental health and financial effects of the pandemic?
December 09, 2021
“No longer living, just existing”: mental health and negative budgets
Nikki Bond, Head of Gambling Harms Action Lab, Money and Mental Health
May 10, 2024“Put scams in the Online Safety Bill, or leave millions of vulnerable people at risk of financial harm”, warns Martin Lewis charity
March 17, 2021
1.3m people with mental health problems have cut back on food and energy to keep up with mortgage payments
January 25, 2024
2.5m people with mental health problems who fell into debt during pandemic considered suicide
November 24, 2021
2.8m people with mental health problems fell into council tax debt during pandemic — and need extra support from councils ahead of further rises in bills
November 11, 2021
2016/17 Annual review
Our first annual review, assessing our aims and achievements in 2016/17.
June 14, 20172023: Reflections from our Interim Chief Executive
Conor D’Arcy, Interim Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
December 19, 20233 takeaways from our conference for financial services firms on tackling gambling harms
October 20, 2020
3 ways the Mental Health Act can be changed to better tackle money and mental health problems
April 22, 2021
50% of those behind on payments say they’ve had suicidal thoughts. So Mental Health charity calls on Government to stop lenders bombarding people with missed payment letters as 2.5m people feel “harassed” by the calls, texts and messages they get from creditors
December 14, 2023
A best practice guide for insurers: Supporting customers with mental health problems
Steps that insurers can take to support customers with mental health problems through the customer journey, from applying to making a claim.
March 29, 2023A debt advice service fit for the future: meeting the diverse needs of people with mental health problems
Nikki Bond, Interim Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health
April 11, 2024A fit-for-purpose managed migration process
Safeguarding claimants with mental health problems in the move to Universal Credit.
September 12, 2022A good signal from telecoms on the cost of living – but more is needed to support people with mental health problems
June 28, 2022
A guide for energy firms on supporting customers with mental health problems
How firms can help to support their customers through the energy crisis.
April 20, 2022A little help from my friends
Tools to support financial decision-making for people with mental health problems.
July 16, 2019A silent killer
Breaking the link between financial difficulty and suicide.
December 03, 2018A tale of two crises: the cost of living and mental health
Revealing the devastating impact of the cost of living crisis on people with mental health problems.
June 08, 2022Absurd Universal Credit flaws stop vulnerable people getting help from loved ones to manage benefits, leaving 100,000s struggling, and some risking benefits cuts
May 26, 2021
Access essentials
Giving people with mental health problems equal access to vital services.
July 03, 2018Access to cash
Exploring people with mental health problem’s attitudes to cash.
December 19, 2018Access to debt advice
The needs of people with serious mental health problems.
April 02, 2024Action needed to ensure people in distress can access “life-changing” debt support in pandemic aftermath
July 23, 2020
Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Official figures show mental health crisis for young women in austerity Britain
September 29, 2016Advancing our health: prevention in the 2020s
Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Cabinet Office and Department of Health
October 14, 2019After a mental health crisis – Mind’s review of mental health and housing
February 07, 2018
Almost half of people with mental health problems ‘never’ disclose their illness to their travel insurer, as premiums soar for those who do
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Almost half of people with mental health problems ‘never’ disclose their illness
August 21, 2018Always on your mind? Long-term money and mental health problems
Chris Lees, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
March 20, 2024Annual Impact Report 2021
Our Annual Impact Report highlights the achievements we’ve had in the past year and outlines the work ahead.
April 26, 2022Annual Impact Report 2022
Our achievements in 2022 and look ahead to our work for the coming year.
April 26, 2023Annual Review 2018/19
Our Annual Review sets out our research and policy achievements of 2018/19.
July 25, 2019Annual Review 2019/20
Our Annual Review sets out our research and policy achievements of 2019/20.
July 27, 2020As forecasts improve, how do we fix the damage already done?
Conor D’Arcy, Interim Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health
February 01, 2024Autumn Statement 2022: what it could mean for people with mental health problems
November 17, 2022
Back to Basics: how people with mental health problems are getting into debt just to pay for life’s essentials
April 21, 2017
Balancing autonomy and risk – extending personal health budgets to people using mental health services
June 11, 2018
Barclays carers bank cards press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New carers bank cards to be introduced following charity campaign Carers
June 13, 2017BBC News
There is ‘more for lenders to do’ to support the millions who struggle to pay bills due to high cost of living.
April 10, 2024BBC Radio Shropshire
Talking to BBC Radio Shropshire about mental health and planning holidays.
September 24, 2019BBC You and Yours
Conor D’Arcy joins You and Yours to discuss the relationship between money and mental health.
May 14, 2024Being your own boss: the upsides and challenges for people with mental health problems
November 15, 2018
Best practice checklist: banks and current account providers
Ten steps that banks and current account providers can take to improve the financial and emotional wellbeing of their customers.
June 14, 2017Best practice checklist: credit card providers
How credit card providers can better enable customers with mental health problems to control their spending and access to new credit.
June 14, 2017Best practice checklist: credit reference agencies
What credit reference agencies can do to support the financial and emotional wellbeing of consumers.
June 14, 2017Best practice checklist: Debt advice providers
Half of people in problem debt have a mental health problem. This checklist sets out how debt advice providers can make their services more accessible for people with mental health problems.
July 29, 2020Best practice checklist: employers
How employers can support people with their money and mental health.
February 03, 2021Best practice checklist: energy and water suppliers
The steps that energy and water suppliers can take to support their customers’ financial and emotional wellbeing.
June 14, 2017Best practice checklist: insurers
How insurers can better support customers experiencing mental health problems and financial difficulty.
June 14, 2017Best practice checklist: social landlords
How local councils and housing associations can better support their tenants experiencing money and mental health problems.
April 16, 2018Best practice checklist: telecoms providers
Eight steps telecoms providers can take to better support customers experiencing mental health problems or financial difficulty.
June 14, 2017Best practice guide for banks and building societies: Gambling
Our best practice guide for banks and building societies sets out how you can support customers experiencing gambling harm.
July 20, 2021Big Issue
The Big Issue quoted our Interim Chief Executive Conor D’Arcy, in an article covering the Autumn Statement.
November 22, 2023Big Issue
An interview in the Big Issue with our Research Community member, Rob, speaking about the mental health impact of feeling bombarded by contact from creditors.
December 22, 2023Big Issue
Coverage of our latest longitudinal research, Always on your Mind, by Isabella Mcrae in the Big Issue.
March 20, 2024Bombarded
Reducing the psychological harm caused by the cost of living crisis.
December 06, 2022Boosting connection: telecoms providers need to do more during the cost of living crisis
November 23, 2022
Boosting financial inclusion. Protecting mental health
Five steps for the next government.
June 03, 2024Breaking the cycle
The case for integrating money and mental health support during the cost of living crisis.
July 18, 2023Breathing Space
Drawing on the views of our Research Community to assess how Breathing Space debt respite for people in mental health crisis care could work.
January 31, 2019Breathing space consultation
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Helen Undy, Head of External Affairs, Money and
January 16, 2018Breathing Space in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales – everyone should benefit
April 23, 2018
Bridging the gap: The untapped potential of Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
Nikki Bond, Interim Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health
January 31, 2024Building financial wellbeing
Polly Mackenzie, Author Building financial wellbeing 17 November 2016 Under Universal Credit, the default
November 17, 2016Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee’s inquiry on coronavirus and the impact on people with protected characteristics
May 19, 2020
Busting the banks open
Setting out the case for a major data study of financial difficulty ahead of the Open Banking launch in 2018.
November 10, 2016Cabinet Office call for evidence: Fairness in government debt management
Nikki Bond, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Cabinet Office call for evidence: Fairness
September 29, 2020Campaigners celebrate as FCA backtracks on proposed changes for vulnerable customers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Campaigners celebrate as FCA backtracks on proposed changes for vulnerable customers 17
July 17, 2018Carers Week 2024: How to better support those caring for people with mental health problems
Leia Ben Naceur, Research Community Officer, Money and Mental Health
June 14, 2024Caught in the web
Exploring the link between experience of mental health problems and online scams.
December 09, 2020Changes to debt advice services set to “significantly” cut vital face-to-face support – and vulnerable people will be hit hardest
December 17, 2021
Changes to online slot machines shows the opportunity to tackle gambling harm
February 10, 2021
Charities call for ‘Breathing Space’ scheme to be extended to the 23,000 people battling debts while hospitalised due to their mental health last year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE “It’s time to stop people in mental health crisis being hassled over
February 19, 2018Charities call for urgent government action to protect access to benefits for people with mental health problems during coronavirus outbreak
March 26, 2020
Charities launch new guide to help creditors support customers with mental health and debt problems
February 19, 2020
Charity calls for action as millions with mental health problems are ‘locked out’ of essential services
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Charity calls for action as millions with mental health problems are ‘locked
July 03, 2018Charity calls for urgent action to support people in secondary mental health care through the cost of living crisis
March 31, 2022
Charity calls on government to end “thuggish” debt letters during coronavirus crisis
June 03, 2020
Charity launches guide for insurance firms to improve support for customers with mental health problems
March 29, 2023
Charity launches new best practice guide to help banks step up action to reduce gambling harms
July 20, 2021
Charity launches urgent guidance to help providers support vulnerable customers through the energy crisis
April 20, 2022
Charity welcomes Treasury Committee call for radical change to ensure people with mental health problems get fair deal from financial services
May 13, 2019
City AM
Chief Executive Helen Undy speaks to City AM about buy now, pay later credit.
December 03, 2019Closing the gap
How government and employers can close the mental health income gap
February 03, 2021Coalition of consumer groups, charities and industry bodies calls for government to include scam ads in Online Safety Bill
July 20, 2021
Coalition of organisations urges government to use Online Safety Bill to protect people from an avalanche of online scams
May 07, 2021
Comment for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health Comment: New research reveals that one in four
February 08, 2017Commission calls for systemic employment reforms, with 5m people with mental health problems fearful about post lockdown return to office
February 03, 2021
Commissioning debt advice that is accessible to people with mental health problems
October 05, 2022
Conservative Home
Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin & Harpenden, wrote an op-ed for Conservative Home in which he urges the government to crack down on creditors.
April 13, 2023Consumer Markets Green Paper
Katie Evans, Head of Research & Policy, Money and Mental Health Money and Mental Health’s
July 04, 2018Consumers say banks should track their personal data to help them avoid debt problems
October 22, 2019
Convenience at a cost
How online retailers are putting people with mental health problems at risk of financial harm.
November 10, 2020Cost of living squeeze could cause national mental health crisis — with 11m UK adults saying they feel “unable to cope” due to rising costs
May 09, 2022
Credit Connect
Coverage from Credit Connect as Nationwide becomes the first building society to be awarded ‘Mental Health Accessible’ accreditation.
February 29, 2024Credit Strategy
Reporting on Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland receiving ‘Advanced’ Mental Health Accessible accreditation.
August 31, 2023Daily Mail
Money and Mental Health respond to FCA findings that over 7 million UK adults struggle to pay bills due to high cost of living.
April 10, 2024Daily Telegraph
Our Head of Research and Policy Conor D’Arcy was interviewed by the Telegraph, on the need for banks to offer better protections for vulnerable customers against scams.
August 13, 2022Debt and mental health
Analysing the latest data on the links between debt and mental health problems.
March 25, 2019Debts and despair
How debt collection practices contribute to psychological harm.
December 14, 2023Debts and despair: launch event recap
Cara MacSherry, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
December 21, 2023Disability News Service
The Disability News Service covered our Interim Head of Research and Policy’s appearance in front of the Work and Pensions Committee.
November 16, 2023Does the Stevenson / Farmer review of mental health and employers go far enough?
October 27, 2017
Draft Guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers
Katie Alpin, Head of Research and Policy, and Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and
October 11, 2019Employees with money worries are 50% more likely to report signs of poor mental health that affect performance at work
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Employees with money worries are 50% more likely to report signs of
May 31, 2017Energy package is a relief but more is needed to prevent a mental health crisis
September 08, 2022
Energy price cap rise: Why firms must take action now to improve debt communications
August 06, 2021
Energy UK’s Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstances
Katie Evans, Head of Research & Policy, Money and Mental Health Energy UK’s Commission for
May 29, 2018Evening Standard
Coverage in the Evening Standard of our latest research and our recommendation to limit how often creditors can contact people.
December 14, 2023Event catch-up: launching our new work programme on data, AI and mental health
February 08, 2019
Event recap – How can banks better use data to support customers in vulnerable situations?
Cara MacSherry, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
October 31, 2023Event recap: launching Always on your mind
Imaan Wright, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
March 28, 2024Express
Mental health and problem debt research featured in the Daily Express.
February 06, 2020Failing to connect: mental health problems and telecoms
Exploring the challenges people with mental health problems face in the telecomms market.
November 27, 2019FCA consultation on guidance for firms on the fair treatment of vulnerable customers
October 15, 2020
FCA consultation on high cost credit
Katie Evans, Head of Research & Policy, Money and Mental Health The Financial Conduct Authority
July 12, 2018FCA consultation on open finance
Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health FCA consultation on open finance 1
October 13, 2020FCA discussion paper on a Duty of Care
Katie Evans, Head of Research & Policy, Money and Mental Health The Financial Conduct Authority
November 15, 2018FCA guidance on temporary financial relief for customers impacted by coronavirus
April 08, 2020
FCA to tackle predatory practices by insurance firms leading to high premiums for vulnerable customers
October 04, 2019
Financial Conduct Authority Mission
Rose Acton, Policy and Research Officer, Katie Evans, Head of Policy and Research, Polly Mackenzie, Director, Money and
February 17, 2017Financial exclusion select committee
Katie Evans, Author Financial exclusion select committee 14 September 2016 Up to 40% of
November 09, 2016Financial regulator teams up with Mental Health Charity to set financial services industry a two-day tech challenge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Financial regulator teams up with Mental Health Charity to set financial services
March 07, 2017Financial Reporter
Coverage in the Financial Reporter of Nationwide’s Mental Health Accessible accreditation.
February 29, 2024Financial transactions data
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Financial transactions data, AI
January 30, 2019Firms should put customers with lived experience at the heart of Consumer Duty plans
October 03, 2022
First major bank signs up to Money and Mental Health’s accessibility standards to prevent millions with mental health problems being ‘locked out’ of essential services
IMMEDIATE RELEASE First major bank signs up to Money and Mental Health’s accessibility standards to
June 24, 2019Five different ways the pandemic has affected finances for people with mental health problems
February 22, 2022
FT Adviser
The FT Adviser quoted our Interim Chief Executive, Conor D’Arcy, in their article highlighting the lack of confidence consumers hold for their financial service providers.
July 26, 2023Gambling blocks: The odds are that your bank now offers one
Katrina Gaffney, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
November 14, 2019Gambling on credit cards
Nikki Bond, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Gambling on credit cards 16 May 2019
May 16, 2019Gaming machines and social responsibility
Polly Mackenzie, Director, Money and Mental Health Gaming machines and social responsibility 4 December 2016
February 08, 2017Gaming machines and social responsibility measures
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Changes to Gaming Machines
January 23, 2018General election 2019: A fair deal in markets for people with mental health problems
December 10, 2019
General Election 2019: Making sick pay work and reforming the benefits system
November 22, 2019
General Election 2024: How the next government can make financial services fairer for people with mental health problems
Rachel Fergusson, External Affairs Officer, Money and Mental Health
July 03, 2024General Election 2024: How the next government can remove barriers to work for people with mental health problems
Rachel Fergusson, External Affairs Officer, Money and Mental Health
July 01, 2024General Election 2024: Protecting people from aggressive debt collection
Imaan Wright, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
June 26, 2024General Election 2024: The next government must protect disability benefits for people with mental health problems
Brian Semple, Head of External Affairs and Income, Money and Mental Health
July 02, 2024General Election 2024: the next government should join up money and mental health care
Brian Semple, Head of External Affairs and Income, Money and Mental Health
June 13, 2024Government agrees with campaigners’ demands to grant people in mental health crisis vital new protections from escalating debts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Government agrees with campaigners’ demands to grant people in mental health crisis
April 24, 2018Government could save £100m+ each year and double recovery rates for people with depression and debt, by joining up mental health and money support
July 18, 2023
Government efforts to tackle online fraud doomed to fail unless it includes scam adverts in Online Safety Bill
July 29, 2021
Government must add scams to Online Harms Bill – as charity warns vulnerable people are being left as ‘easy prey’ for scammers
December 09, 2020
Government must stop debt collectors bombarding people about missed payments — as 1 in 8 people who are behind on a bill have attempted suicide during cost of living crisis
December 06, 2022
GPs are ‘missing critical opportunity’ to help people with mental illness avoid destructive spiral of money problems
December 03, 2019
GPs charging people in debt crisis up to £150 for paperwork
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE GPs charging people in debt crisis up to £150 for paperwork Charities
October 11, 2016Guardian: Today in Focus
Today in Focus episode on young people moving back into the family home references our research.
September 03, 2024Half of mental health carers know someone else’s PIN
Half of mental health carers know someone else’s PIN number, as banks’ failure to act
November 29, 2016Half-day conference aims to help financial service professionals tackle problem gambling harm
September 29, 2020
Halifax and Bank of Scotland awarded ‘Mental Health Accessible’ accreditation, after improving support for vulnerable customers
September 29, 2021
Hard-to-access pensions support leaving millions of people with mental health problems at risk of worse retirement outcomes
June 06, 2023
Health and disability benefits aren’t generous enough to support vulnerable people through the cost of living crisis
February 10, 2022
Health is everyone’s business: Proposals to reduce ill health-related job loss
Katie Alpin, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Health is everyone’s business:
October 04, 2019Health select committee
Polly Mackenzie, Author Health select committee 8 September 2016 We submitted a consulation response
November 09, 2016Health Service Journal
Our Interim Chief Executive, Conor D’Arcy, wrote an op-ed for the HSJ highlighting that debt support should be integrated with talking therapies.
September 26, 2023Help along the way
Exploring the challenges that people with mental health problems face when accessing free debt advice.
July 21, 2020Help to save
Merlyn Holkar, Author, Nic Murray, Author, Help to save 21 July 2016 We submitted
November 08, 2016High cost credit: FCA consultation on overdrafts
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, and Nikki Bond, Research Assistant, Money and Mental
September 18, 2018High-Cost Credit
Katie Evans, Head of Policy and Research, Money and Mental Health High-cost credit – the Financial
February 24, 2017House of Lords Financial Exclusion Committee report
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health backs Lords call for faster, more flexible benefit
March 25, 2017How Advance Choice Documents would help put autonomy and choice at the heart of the government’s Mental Health Bill
January 24, 2023
How can banks use data to support customers in vulnerable situations?
A webinar exploring how banks can use data to support customers in vulnerable situations. Event sponsored by HSBC UK.
October 18, 2023How councils can support people with mental health problems through the latest rise in council tax
April 05, 2022
How court fines can make money and mental health problems worse
Miranda Paris, Communications Officer, Centre for Justice Innovation
August 01, 2024How energy suppliers can support customers with mental health problems through the energy crisis
April 20, 2022
How fintech can help people with mental health problems
Rose Acton, Policy and Research Officer How fintech can help people with mental health problems
March 07, 2017How firms can help customers with mental health problems share their needs
November 09, 2022
How firms can use innovation and technology to support customers with mental health problems
December 05, 2022
How government can make it easier for people moving from legacy benefits to Universal Credit
August 19, 2021
How health and social care providers can help people with mental health problems avoid financial difficulty
December 08, 2021
How local authorities can help break the link between problem debt and suicide
December 07, 2018
How local government can support people with mental health problems through the cost of living crisis
May 05, 2022
How our new guide can help your firm meet its legal duties under the Equality Act
March 02, 2022
How our Research Community helped get information about money and mental health into GP surgeries
October 14, 2021
How the benefits system impedes people with mental health problems looking for work
March 27, 2023
How the cost of living crisis is affecting students’ money and mental health
November 25, 2022
How the energy sector can improve support for people with mental health problems
October 16, 2019
How the government can ensure people can access benefits during the coronavirus outbreak
March 27, 2020
How the government can protect people with mental health problems from online scams
December 09, 2020
How to disrupt the long-term cycle of money and mental health problems
Becca Stacey, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
March 20, 2024How to fix managed migration and ensure no one gets cut off from their benefits
September 12, 2022
How to make the benefits system more accessible for people with mental health problems
March 04, 2019
How to stop people with mental health problems being priced out of public transport
August 09, 2022
HSBC UK awarded ‘Mental Health Accessible’ accreditation for taking steps to improve support for vulnerable customers
September 14, 2023
i News
Chief Executive, Helen Undy, speaks to i News about the credit card gambling ban.
January 14, 2020Impact Report 2023
Celebrating our achievements in 2023 and looking ahead to the coming year.
April 30, 2024Improving outcomes for consumers who self-disconnect and self-ration
Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health 20 September 2019 Ofgem Consultation: Proposals
October 09, 2019In Control
Money and Mental Health reveals the six forms of crisis spending Today the
July 13, 2016In control
Exploring the psychological drivers of increased spending during periods of poor mental health and exploring a range of possible solutions.
July 13, 2016In the public interest?
The psychological toll of local and national government debt collection practices.
September 09, 2024Inadequate Power of Attorney system is exposing people with mental health problems to financial abuse
July 16, 2019
Income in crisis
Exploring the link between income and mental health during Covid-19.
June 16, 2020iNews
Coverage of our Debts and despair report, featuring an interview with our Research Community member Ann.
December 14, 2023iNews
David Cheadle, acting CEO of the Money Advice Trust, backing our campaign to Stop the Debt Threats in iNews.
December 30, 2023iNews
An article by Callum Mason in iNews covering our latest report, Always on your mind, featuring our Research Community member Rob.
March 20, 2024inews
inews reports on Money and Mental Health’s contributions to the Work and Pensions committee.
May 15, 2024Informal borrowing and mental health problems
Exploring people with mental health problems’ experience of informal borrowing.
May 10, 2018Information is power
Preventing financial difficulties associated with mental health problems.
December 03, 2019International Women’s Day: How inclusion can help women break out of the money and mental health cycle
Imaan Wright, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
March 08, 2024Introducing: Imaan Wright
Imaan Wright, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
February 09, 2024Introducing: Jason Heffron
Jason Heffron, Senior Communications and Partnerships Officer, Money and Mental Health
August 29, 2024Introducing: Leia Clifton
Leia Clifton, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
August 02, 2024Introducing: Lewis White
Lewis White, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
August 07, 2024Introducing: Toby Murray
Toby Murray, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
September 29, 2023It’s time to join up money advice and mental health support during the cost-of-living crisis
July 21, 2023
Jen’s story
Jen’s story My money and mental health experience – ADHD and debt People like Jen
December 05, 2016Jewish Chronicle
The Jewish Chronicle covered an interview with our founder, Martin Lewis. In the interview, Martin discusses his Jewish identity and how he came to establish Money and Mental Health seven years ago.
June 13, 2023Keeping suicide prevention on the agenda: Why the new government must commit to bold action
Francesca Smith, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
September 11, 2024Launching our new Gambling Harms Action Lab for financial services
Nikki Bond, Head of Gambling Harms Action Lab, Money and Mental Health
July 23, 2024Lessons from our conference: How can banks support people with gambling problems?
October 26, 2020
Levelling the playing field
How regulators can support consumers with mental health problems.
December 13, 2017Lifting the tax burden: Supporting people with mental health problems with council tax
Highlighting the support people with mental health problems need to pay council tax.
November 11, 2021Light on carrot, heavy on stick: our reaction to the Autumn Statement
Conor D’Arcy, Interim Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health
November 22, 2023Living with gambling addiction: What can the financial services industry do to help?
January 06, 2022
Lloyds Bank, Halifax and Bank of Scotland first UK banks to achieve ‘advanced’ mental health accessibility rating
August 31, 2023
Local elections 2023: What local authorities can do for mental and financial health
May 04, 2023
Making it easier for consumers to disclose a mental health problem
In collaboration with the Money Advice Trust, these practical guides will help essential services firms support more people with mental health problems to disclose their condition.
November 09, 2022Making it easier for consumers to disclose a mental health problem
November 9, 2022
Managed migration: how government can protect people with mental health problems moving to Universal Credit
May 10, 2022
Mental Health Act reform could prevent financial difficulty for people with severe mental illness
June 28, 2022
Mental health and the mortgage crisis
Francesca Smith, Research Assistant, and Liam Hill, External Affairs Officer, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
June 30, 2023Mental Health Awareness Week 2023: the link between money worries, anxiety, and mental health
May 19, 2023
Mental Health Awareness Week: Financial strain is driving the UK’s anxiety
May 17, 2023
Mental health is at the heart of the UK’s new Strategy for Financial Wellbeing
January 21, 2020
Mental health services unprepared for looming personal debt crisis
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mental health services unprepared for looming personal debt crisis New research
February 07, 2017Metro
Chief Executive Helen Undy speaks to Metro about the stigma around debt.
November 08, 2019Millions of Britons at risk of avoidable long term mental health and money problems, unless government ramps up preventative support
March 20, 2024
Millions of people with mental health problems say they are missing out on Equality Act protections from banks and energy companies
February 02, 2022
Millions with mental illness stuck in ‘low income trap’ due to long term benefits cuts and barriers to employment
September 22, 2020
Mind the Income gap
Exploring the long term factors which have lead to the mental health income gap.
September 22, 2020Minimum standards for mental health
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Minimum standards for mental
April 16, 2019Money and Mental Health and coalition of consumer groups welcomes recommendation by committee of MPs to include paid-for digital ads in Online Safety Bill
December 14, 2021
Money and Mental Health and the ESRC Centre for Society and Mental Health’s joint submission to the Department for Health and Social Care’s major conditions strategy: call for evidence
Joint views on how the DHSC and wider government departments can better support people with mental ill health by addressing the financial circumstances that can exacerbate people’s existing mental health problems.
June 26, 2023Money and Mental Health appoints new trustees
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health appoints four new trustees 8 February 2019 The Money
February 08, 2019Money and mental health at a time of crisis
How the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the finances of people with mental health problems.
April 02, 2020Money and Mental Health backs Justice Committee call for new regulator to stamp out bad bailiff behaviour
April 11, 2019
Money and Mental Health backs Woolard Review call for Buy Now Pay Later regulation
February 02, 2021
Money and Mental Health charity respond to FCA’s announcement of new “Consumer Duty” for financial firms
December 07, 2021
Money and Mental Health charity respond to FCA’s final “Consumer Duty” guidance
July 27, 2022
Money and mental health in a time of crisis: Essential services briefing
November 30, 2021
Money and Mental Health promotes from within for new Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health promotes from within for new Director The
July 02, 2018Money and Mental Health respond to FCA’s proposal for new “Consumer Duty” for financial firms
May 14, 2021
Money and Mental Health responds to Black Friday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health responds to Black Friday Responding to Black Friday,
November 23, 2017Money and Mental Health responds to government announcement dropping plans for 10-year mental health and wellbeing strategy
January 25, 2023
Money and Mental Health responds to new FCA guidance on vulnerable customers
February 23, 2021
Money and Mental Health responds to new government suicide prevention strategy
September 11, 2023
Money and Mental Health responds to new Money and Pensions Service strategy
January 21, 2020
Money and Mental Health responds to Ofgem’s call to energy firms to suspend forced installation of prepayment meters
February 03, 2023
Money and Mental Health responds to Ofgem’s new rules on the forced installation of prepayment meters
September 13, 2023
Money and Mental Health responds to the FCA’s announcement on Duty of Care
April 23, 2019
Money and Mental Health response to Barclays’ announcement on gambling blocks
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health response to Barclays’ announcement on gambling blocks 11 December
December 11, 2018Money and Mental Health response to FCA research on Buy Now Pay Later
October 31, 2023
Money and Mental Health response to government’s proposed changes to disability benefits assessments
September 06, 2023
Money and Mental Health response to joint regulators statement on debt collection practices
March 18, 2024
Money and Mental Health response to new government consultation on PIP
Money and Mental Health respond to the government’s new consultation on PIP
April 29, 2024Money and Mental Health response to new Ofgem rules on forced installation of prepayment meters
April 18, 2023
Money and Mental Health response to NHS Long Term Plan
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health response to NHS Long Term Plan 07 January 2019
January 07, 2019Money and Mental Health response to Ofwat’s consultation on a customer-focused licence condition
Money and Mental Health respond to Ofwat’s proposal for a new customer-focused licence condition and how it could benefit customers with mental health problems.
July 04, 2023Money and Mental Health response to pre-budget announcements
Money and Mental Health response to pre-Budget announcement on interest-free loans 29 October 2018
October 29, 2018Money and Mental Health response to Public Accounts Committee report on Universal Credit
Money and Mental Health responds to Public Accounts Committee report on Universal Credit 26 October
October 26, 2018Money and Mental Health response to reports that ‘Buy Now Pay Later’ regulation could be shelved
July 17, 2023
Money and Mental Health response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Call for Evidence on Gambling regulation
Money and Mental Health response to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Call for
February 10, 2023Money and Mental Health submission to HM Treasury’s call for evidence: Access to Cash
November 25, 2020
Money and Mental Health submission to Ofcom’s call for evidence on the first phase of online safety regulation
September 14, 2022
Money and Mental Health submission to Ofwat’s consultation on PR24 draft methodology
September 14, 2022
Money and Mental Health submission to the Enforcement Conduct Board’s 2024/25 Business Plan consultation
Money and Mental Health proposals for delivery of effective regulation of the enforcement industry.
April 15, 2024Money and Mental Health submission to the Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill call for evidence
September 15, 2022
Money and Mental Health submission to the Money and Pensions Service consultation on proposals for the delivery of its debt advice strategy
Money and Mental Health outline the steps MaPS should take to improve the delivery of its debt advice strategy for people with mental health problems.
April 03, 2024Money and Mental Health submission to the Money and Pensions Service’s call for evidence on debt advice clients with deficit budgets
Money and Mental Health submission to the Money and Pensions Service’s call for evidence on
December 01, 2022Money and Mental Health submission to the Scottish Government’s statutory debt solutions and diligence: policy review response consultation
October 06, 2022
Money and Mental Health to launch new project to help financial firms tackle problem gambling
October 17, 2019
Money and Mental Health welcomes crucial changes to the Online Safety Bill to tackle scams ads
March 08, 2022
Money and Mental Health welcomes government announcement on ‘Breathing Space’ for people with problem debt
June 19, 2019
Money and Mental Health welcomes Labour Party announcement on gambling blocks
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute responds to Labour Party announcement
September 20, 2018Money and Mental Health welcomes new plans for spending blocks from high street banks
IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health welcomes new plans for customer spending controls from more
January 04, 2019Money and Mental Health wins Best Consumer Campaign award for Recovery Space
March 28, 2019
Money and Mental Health wins Best Consumer Campaign award for Stop the Debt Threats
May 13, 2021
Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofgem’s call for input on affordability and debt in the domestic retail market
Money and Mental Health raise the factors that contribute to people with mental health problems being more likely to be behind on their energy bills and what actions the government, Ofgem and energy companies need to take.
May 15, 2024Money and Mental Health’s response to the Bank of England/Financial Conduct Authority DP5/22 on artificial intelligence and machine learning
Money and Mental Health’s response to the Bank of England/Financial Conduct Authority DP5/22 on artificial
February 10, 2023Money and Mental Health’s response to the Public Accounts Committee’s call for evidence on Progress Improving Mental Health Services
Money and Mental Health’s response to the Public Accounts Committee’s call for evidence on Progress
April 03, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to HM Treasury’s consultation and call for evidence on a ban on cold calling for consumer financial services and products
Money and Mental Health respond to the consultation on banning cold calling related to financial services and products, highlighting the risks and harms people with mental health problems are experiencing and the need for the ban.
September 26, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to HM Treasury’s consultation on reforming the Consumer Credit Act 1974
Money and Mental Health’s submission to HM Treasury’s consultation on reforming the Consumer Credit Act
March 24, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to HM Treasury’s Statutory Debt Repayment Plan Consultation
July 29, 2022
Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofgem’s Call for Evidence on PPM rules and protections
Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofgem’s Call for Evidence on PPM rules and protections
March 10, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofgem’s consultation on framework for consumer standards and policy options to address priority customer service issues
Money and Mental Health’s view on Ofgem’s proposals on introducing new rules on priority customer service issues.
May 25, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to Ofwat’s consultation on draft vulnerability guidance for water companies supporting customers who need extra help
Money and Mental Health support the proposals for new vulnerability guidance for water companies and have highlighted areas where Ofwat could go further to improve service and support for customers with mental health problems.
October 19, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the APPG for ‘Left Behind’ Neighbourhoods’ inquiry into levelling up
January 13, 2023
Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s call for evidence on the Government’s White Paper, High Stakes: gambling reform for the digital age
Money and Mental Health respond to the call for evidence, highlighting the proposals we welcome and where we think more could be done.
July 14, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Department for Business and Trade’s consultation on Smarter Regulation: Strengthening the economic regulation of the energy, water and telecoms sectors
Money and Mental Health outlines people with mental health problems views on a universal Priority Services Register, including the key concerns that need to be addressed.
January 15, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport’s consultation on the English portion of dormant assets funding
October 06, 2022
Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Department for Work and Pensions and the Department of Health and Social Care’s call for evidence on fit note reform
Money and Mental Health outlines why instead of making it harder for people with mental health problems to obtain fit notes, the government should focus on addressing the underlying drivers of rises in poor mental health, including financial difficulty.
July 05, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Department for Work and Pensions consultation into Work Capability Assessment: activities and descriptors
Money and Mental Health opposes the DWP’s proposals to remove the ‘Coping with Social Engagement’ and ‘Getting Around’ activities, and the reduction of points awarded for their associated descriptors. We also oppose any amendments to, or the removal of, the LCWRA Substantial Risk regulations.
October 30, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Department for Work and Pensions consultation on Modernising support for independent living: the health and disability green paper
People with mental health problems often face significant and ongoing costs due to their condition, for which PIP is crucial in helping them meet the costs of their additional needs.
July 10, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Department of Health and Social Care’s call for evidence on the 10-Year Plan for Mental Health
July 27, 2022
Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s investigation and assessment into the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
In our response to this investigation, we outline some of the common experiences members of our Research Community have had when requesting reasonable adjustments for health and disability benefit assessments in the period from January 2021.
August 13, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the FCA’s consultation on “Our Enforcement Guide and publicising enforcement investigations–a new approach”
Money and Mental Health welcomes the FCA’s proposals for publicising enforcement investigations and suggests ways the FCA could go further to inform affected consumers.
May 01, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the FCA’s consultation on a new Consumer Duty CP21/36
February 15, 2022
Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Financial Conduct Authority’s consultation on Strengthening Protections for Borrowers in Financial Difficulty: Consumer Credit and Mortgages
Money and Mental Health’s views on the FCA’s proposal for strengthening protections for borrowers in financial difficulty, highlighting what’s welcome and where more can be done.
July 28, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Money and Pensions Service’s Request for Information on Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space
Money and Mental Health’s view on proposals for expanding the Mental Health Crisis Breathing Space service.
April 12, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Public Accounts Committee’s inquiry into Progress in implementing Universal Credit
Money and Mental Health outlines the steps the DWP should take to better support people with mental health problems through the managed migration process.
February 28, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Scottish Government’s consultation on a Mental Health Moratorium
Money and Mental Health’s response to the Scottish Government’s proposals on introducing a Mental Health Moratorium debt respite scheme.
January 16, 2024Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry into safeguarding vulnerable claimants
Money and Mental Health outline how the DWP’s lack of process for identifying and responding to those with more complex needs and requiring assistance means they are failing to adequately safeguard the well-being of many people with mental health problems. We call for the DWP to have a statutory duty to safeguard the wellbeing of individuals in vulnerable situations, alongside wider reforms to improve how the DWP engages with individuals and its processes and support for making and managing a claim.
October 13, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry into Statutory Sick Pay
Money and Mental Health outlines how Statutory Sick Pay should be reformed, to provide people with mental health problems with a more supportive and flexible financial safety net to fall back on when unwell and off work.
December 07, 2023Money and Mental Health’s submission to the Work and Pensions Select Committee’s inquiry into Disability Employment
Money and Mental Health outlines the steps employers and the DWP should take to address the mental health employment gap.
March 27, 2024Money and Pensions Service listening document
Tasneem Clark, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Response to Money and Pensions Service listening
July 19, 2019Money Box
Money and Mental Health Chief Executive, Helen Undy, featured on BBC Radio 4’s Money Box.
October 30, 2019Money on your mind
New study reveals devastating impact of mental health problems on personal finances Money and
June 12, 2016Money on your mind
Analysing the toxic link between financial difficulty and mental health problems.
June 13, 2016More than 1.5m people in England struggling with ‘vicious cycle’ of spiralling debt and mental health problems
March 25, 2019
More than 100,000 people in problem debt attempt suicide each year in England
More than 100,000 people in problem debt attempt suicide each year in England 03 December
December 03, 2018My experience: the vicious cycle of money and mental health problems
Rob Smale, coaching consultant and Research Community member
May 14, 2024Nationwide becomes first building society to achieve ‘Mental Health Accessible’ accreditation, after improving support for vulnerable customers
February 29, 2024
Navigating finances & the impact of COVID-19: the experiences of South Asian women
September 29, 2022
New FCA reforms will dramatically reduce psychological and financial costs of overdrafts
June 07, 2019
New gambling minister to speak at upcoming conference on how financial services can tackle gambling harm
October 19, 2021
New study shows debt halves recovery rate for depression
02/11/2016 New analysis suggests that a failure to address financial difficulty in the main NHS
November 01, 2016Next PM should revamp levelling up plans, to stop people with mental health problems being left behind in UK’s “inequality hotspots”
July 12, 2022
Next steps in the fight against fraud
Conor D’Arcy, Interim Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health
October 26, 2023NHS 75: how the NHS can help break the link between mental health and debt problems
July 06, 2023
Night-time shopping
Highlighting the growing problem of the online retail environment for people with mental health problems, especially noting night-time shopping and targeted advertisements.
November 09, 2016No One Left Behind
Making levelling up deliver for people with mental health problems.
July 12, 2022No place like home
Supporting people with mental health problems in mortgage difficulty.
January 25, 2024No place like home: our new research on mortgages and mental health
Francesca Smith, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
January 25, 2024Not a Secondary Issue
Examining the extent to which people in secondary mental health care face financial difficulty.
March 31, 2022Ofcom backs our call for telecomms providers to improve support for customers with mental health problems
November 24, 2020
Ofcom’s guidance for treating vulnerable customers fairly: a welcome direction in our current circumstances
July 30, 2020
Ofgem and government must take the strongest possible action to stop aggressive energy firms
February 03, 2023
Ofgem is changing the energy price cap every 3 months – here’s what it means for people with mental health problems
June 01, 2022
Ofgem’s Draft Consumer Vulnerability Strategy 2025
Katie Alpin, Head of Research and Policy, and Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer, Money and
August 16, 2019One year of the Consumer duty – what impact has it had?
Chris Lees, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
July 30, 2024Online event on ethnicity, money and mental health
May 23, 2023
Only 1 in 7 consumers with a mental health problem have told their financial services firm about their condition
November 09, 2022
Our #DebtThreats debate: the government says changing debt letters is ‘top priority’
May 22, 2019
Our new best practice guide: what insurers can do to support customers with mental health problems
March 29, 2023
Our new work programme: Using financial data to support people with mental health problems
January 30, 2019
Our week at Money and Mental Health: exploring financial education and mental health
Biran, Shreya and Arlinda, work experience, Money and Mental Health
August 06, 2024Over two million people in the UK forced to limit their work due to poor mental health, with many pushed into debt as a result
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Over two million people in the UK forced to limit their work
November 01, 2018Overstretched, overdrawn, underserved
Financial difficulty and mental health at work.
May 31, 2017Paying fairly? What Ofwat’s new guidelines mean for people with mental health problems
May 27, 2022
Pensions Awareness Week: achieving financial security in later life for people with mental health problems
September 12, 2023
Pensions Expert
This article explores how the pensions sector can better support those of us with mental health problems nearing retirement.
May 13, 2024People in vulnerable circumstances and the DWP: a statutory duty to safeguard
Cara MacSherry, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health
October 24, 2023People out of work need more support, not less
Toby Murray, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
January 24, 2024People with mental health problems “three times more likely to run out of money within a week” during pandemic
June 16, 2020
People with mental health problems charged nearly 27 times more for insurance products — leaving many going without vital financial protections
February 08, 2023
People with mental health problems need more financial support during coronavirus crisis
April 02, 2020
People with mental health problems say they aren’t getting Equality Act protections from essential services companies
February 02, 2022
Personal health and integrated health budgets
Nikki Bond, Research Assistant, Money and Mental Health Department of Health & Social Care consultation
June 08, 2018Point of sale credit
Exploring ‘buy now, pay later’ retail credit and why this may cause financial difficulties for people with mental health problems.
May 22, 2017Point of sale credit press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mental health charity calls for FCA crackdown on store credit as people
May 21, 2017Politics Home
Jeff Smith MP writes in Politics Home about our gambling research.
July 21, 2020Polly Mackenzie steps down as Director of Money and Mental Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Polly Mackenzie steps down as Director of Money and Mental Health
January 17, 2018Practical advice for creditors to support customers with mental health problems
February 19, 2020
Pre-payment meters: why there should be more protections for energy customers in debt
March 21, 2023
Public sector debt collection and psychological harm: our upcoming research
Francesca Smith, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
July 15, 2024Putting financial wellbeing at the core of the new 10-year plan for mental health and the national suicide prevention plan
July 28, 2022
Questions remain about government plans for mental health and suicide prevention
March 31, 2021
Raising the stakes: Overcoming barriers to tackling gambling-related harm
Setting out how financial services firms can overcome barriers to tackling gambling-related harm.
January 18, 2022Recommissioning debt advice services: meeting the needs of people with mental health problems
Making the case for the Money and Pensions Service to protect face-to-face debt advice.
December 17, 2021Recovery space
Minimising financial harm caused by mental health crisis.
February 19, 2018Regulators
Merlyn Holkar, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health The role of regulators to support people
October 31, 2017Report reveals impact of mental health problems on financial capability
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Think tank calls on banks to ‘step up’ to tackle the unfair
February 08, 2017Research shows mental health professionals are fighting fires, rather than delivering treatment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Research shows mental health professionals are fighting fires, rather than delivering treatment
October 16, 2017Response to Ofwat’s consultation on guidelines for water companies in supporting residential customers pay their bill, access help and repay debts
July 28, 2021
Response to the FCA’s call for input on the review into change and innovation in the unsecured credit market
December 01, 2020
Responsible retail
How retailers can help consumers with mental help problems to control ‘crisis spending’.
February 08, 2017Returns policies
How retailers can make the returns process more accessible.
November 22, 2018Reuters
Our response to the FCA’s plans to crack down on unfair pricing in the insurance industry featured in Reuters.
October 17, 2019Reward Strategy
Coverage of HSBC UK receiving accreditation from our Mental Health Accessible programme.
September 14, 2023Routine enquiry: How asking about money problems could help thousands more people with mental health problems recover each year
Nikki Bond, Interim Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
October 16, 2023Running out of energy
Exploring adjustments that could be made by the energy market to ensure that people with mental health problems are not disadvantaged as consumers.
February 27, 2017Safety first: Why the Online Safety Bill should tackle scam adverts
Setting out why the Online Safety Bill must tackle online scam ads.
July 29, 2021Safety net
Breaking the link between online financial harms and mental health problems.
March 17, 2021Seeing through the fog
How mental health problems affect financial capability.
February 08, 2017Set up to fail
How the DWP can make it easier for people to get help with Universal Credit.
May 26, 2021Seven ways employers and government can help workers with mental health problems thrive during the pandemic
March 11, 2021
Shopper Stopper press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mental health charity calls on retail and finance bosses to launch
October 05, 2017Signposting to travel insurance for consumers with medical conditions
Merlyn Holkar, Senior Research Officer and Katie Alpin, Head of Research and Policy, Money and
September 26, 2019Sky News
October 10, 2022
Smart Data consultation
Katie Alpin, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Our response to the
August 16, 2019Social Security Advisory Committee’s Universal Credit
Helen Undy, Director, Money and Mental Health The Social Security Advisory Committee’s Universal Credit managed
August 17, 2018Spring Budget: What could the ‘trailblazer’ deals mean for levelling up mental and financial health?
March 23, 2023
Stop the charge
Polly Mackenzie, Author, Katie Evans, Author Stop the charge 11th October 2016 People with
November 09, 2016Strength in numbers
Exploring issues with third party access to financial services, and how allowing carers access may be beneficial for people with financial problems and poor mental health.
November 29, 2016Submission to HM Treasury: consultation response on the Financial Services Future Regulatory Framework Review
February 19, 2021
Submission to HM Treasury’s consultation on the regulation of buy now, pay later
January 06, 2022
Submission to the Competition and Markets Authority: response to their annual plan for 2021/22
January 28, 2021
Submission to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy consultation on Reforming Competition and Consumer Policy
October 01, 2021
Submission to the Department for Work & Pensions call for evidence and good practice on in-work progression
December 18, 2020
Submission to the Department for Work & Pensions Health and Disability Green Paper consultation: Shaping Future Support
October 08, 2021
Submission to the Department of Health and Social Care consultation: Reforming the Mental Health Act
April 22, 2021
Submission to the Department of Health and Social Care consultation: Reforming the Mental Health Act
April 22, 2021
Submission to the Gambling Commission: Consultation response and Call for Evidence on Remote Customer Interaction
February 09, 2021
Submission to the Joint pre-legislative scrutiny Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill
September 24, 2021
Submission to the Lending Standards Board’s Access to Banking Standard Review Consultation
August 04, 2021
Submission to the Review of the Gambling Act 2005
Custom policy position excerpt
April 01, 2021Subscription retail press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mental Health Charity backs crackdown on subscription retailers who ‘trap’ vulnerable consumers
April 05, 2017Subscription retail: an expensive trap
Exploring how consumers with mental health problems can be protected from the subscription retail ‘trap’.
April 05, 2017Supporting customers with fluctuating mental capacity to make financial decisions
January 30, 2023
Tackling mental health inequalities should be a central part of “Levelling Up”
February 04, 2022
Talking about my generation: We’re looking for more young people to share their stories with us
October 10, 2018
The ‘Shopper Stopper’ launches
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Mental Health Charity launches free tool to curb online shopping as half
February 08, 2017The APPG on Mental Health inquiry into the Five Year Forward View
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health APPG inquiry into the Five
October 31, 2018The APPG on poverty inquiry into the poverty premium
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Poverty premium inquiry 30
April 30, 2018The benefits assault course
Improving access to the benefits system for people with mental health problems.
March 04, 2019The case for online retail controls – what we’ve learnt from the Shopper Stopper pilot
October 05, 2017
The Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health Department for Culture, Media and
September 18, 2018The challenges people with mental health problems face with different insurance products
March 03, 2023
The Commission for Customers in Vulnerable Circumstance – Energy UK’s new initiative
May 08, 2018
The cost of living crisis hasn’t gone away
Toby Murray, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
May 08, 2024The Damage of Debt
The Damage of Debt Money and Mental Health Comment: The Children’s Society report, ‘The
September 22, 2016The end of furlough means accessible support is more vital than ever
September 30, 2021
The energy price cap rise: Five ways energy firms can better support customers with mental health problems
February 03, 2022
The Equality Act and Mental Health: A practical guide for essential services firms
Practical, tangible changes firms could make to help ensure they comply with the Equality Act 2010 and better support their customers with mental health problems.
March 02, 2022The Equality Act: Essential services & mental health
February 3, 2022
The FCA consumer approach
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health The FCA consumer approach
February 05, 2018The FCA has sent firms a strong signal to do more to support vulnerable customers
July 23, 2019
The FCA’s Consumer Duty – assessing its impact six months in
Conor D’Arcy, Interim Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health
February 21, 2024The FCA’s Consumer Duty could be transformative for people with mental health problems
December 07, 2021
The government must act to protect people from looming energy price hikes this spring
February 24, 2023
The government must act to stop ‘debt threat’ letters during the Covid-19 outbreak
April 14, 2020
The government’s plans to boost employment must have mental health front and centre
March 13, 2023
The government’s proposed benefits reforms are a worrying step backwards
Becca Stacey, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
April 23, 2024The Guardian
The Guardian highlights polling from our Research Community and the changes we’ve recommended.
July 18, 2023The Guardian
Coverage in the Guardian of Money and Mental Health’s research of mortgages.
January 26, 2024The Independent
Late night shopping research featured in the Independent.
September 13, 2019The Independent
The Independent reported on the call from Martin Lewis for integrating money advice with talking therapies already existing within the NHS.
July 18, 2023The Independent
A story on Money and Mental Health’s call for a legal limit on how frequently creditors can contact people in debt, featuring quotes from the charity’s founder Martin Lewis.
December 14, 2023The Independent
People with mental health issues ‘more likely to have cut back to pay mortgage’.
January 25, 2024The Independent
Our Chief Executive Helen Undy spoke to Vicky Shaw in this feature marking the start of Mental Health Awareness Week, highlighting the links between financial difficulty and poor mental health.
May 10, 2024The King’s Speech – what it means for mental health
Clare Laxton, Interim External Affairs Manager, Money and Mental Health
July 17, 2024The Labour review of NHS treatment of gambling addiction
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health The Labour review of NHS
April 27, 2018The Mail Online
A MailOnline article highlighting how millions of people cannot get in contact with their financial service providers, quoting Conor D’Arcy.
July 25, 2023The Martin Lewis Money Show
Martin talked about Money and Mental Health – and spoke to Jo and Rob, members of our Research Community – on a special episode of his show.
October 10, 2023The Mirror
One in three mortgage holders with mental health problems have cut back on essentials, reports the Mirror.
January 25, 2024The missing link
Rose Acton, Policy and Research Officer, Money and Mental Health The missing link How tackling
November 01, 2016The missing link
How access to debt advice alongside IAPT could double recovery rates for people with depression and problem debt.
November 02, 2016The money and mental health manifesto
Setting out our recommendations on how the next government can deliver on breaking the link between financial difficulty and mental health problems, ahead of the 2017 General Election.
April 26, 2017The money and mental health manifesto 2019
Five ways to boost mental and financial wellbeing across the UK.
November 06, 2019The need to know: Understanding and evidencing customers’ mental health problems
In partnership with the Money Advice Trust, and with support from UK Finance, this guide is designed help creditors support customers affected by debt and mental health problems.
February 19, 2020The next government has real power to boost financial inclusion and mental health without breaking the bank
Money and Mental Health has set out five vital steps the next government can take to protect some of the people most at risk of harm — and to remove barriers to financial wellbeing.
June 03, 2024The other one in four
How financial difficulty is neglected in mental health services.
December 02, 2016The pensions maze
Achieving better retirements for people with mental health problems.
June 06, 2023The pensions maze: experiences of retirement planning for people with mental health problems
June 06, 2023
The Shopper Stopper
An evaluation of Shopper stopper, the tool designed with Plexus to help give people control over their spending.
October 05, 2017The Standards of Lending Practice
Katie Evans, Head of Research and Policy, Money and Mental Health The Standards of Lending
March 30, 2018The state we’re in: Money and mental health in a time of crisis
A state-of-the-nation snapshot of the financial and mental wellbeing of people across the UK during the pandemic.
November 24, 2021The Telegraph
Our ‘Stop the #DebtThreats’ campaign featured in the Telegraph.
June 03, 2020The Times
Luciana Berger writes in the Times about our coronavirus research.
April 02, 2020The Times
The Times quoted our interim Chief Executive Conor D’Arcy in an article on Ofgem’s new regulations on the force fitting of pre-payment meters.
September 13, 2023The Universal Credit Help to Claim services is changing – here’s how it could affect people with mental health problems
February 07, 2022
The Universal Credit system sets people up to fail: here’s how we’re making a difference
April 24, 2023
Third-party access and managing money: what do carers and people with mental health problems want to see?
Leia Ben Naceur, Research Community Officer, Money and Mental Health
October 25, 2023Threatening benefit sanctions isn’t the way to help people with mental health problems into work
September 22, 2022
Three changes the government should make to the benefits system to support people through the pandemic
February 15, 2021
Three ways banks can maintain the momentum for supporting customers experiencing gambling-related harm
January 18, 2022
Three ways firms can make it easier for people to disclose a mental health problem
November 18, 2022
Thriving at work report comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Money and Mental Health Comment: Thriving at Work – the Stevenson/Farmer
October 26, 2017Through the lens: Age, money and mental health
Exploring how our age can interact with our money and mental health.
December 15, 2022Through the lens: Ethnicity, money and mental health
Exploring how our ethnicity can interact with our money and mental health.
April 19, 2023Through the lens: Gender, money and mental health
Exploring how our gender can interact with our money and mental health.
September 21, 2022Through the lens: unpacking the diversity of experience among people with mental health problems
April 21, 2023
Time to Act
Exploring the legal duties that essential services firms have to people with mental health problems under the Equality Act.
February 02, 2022Time to crack down on scam ads: Our response to the Joint Committee on the Draft Online Safety Bill
September 23, 2021
Time To Talk Day: A little more conversation – and a lot more action, please
February 07, 2019
To “build back better”, we need to tackle the inequalities exposed by the pandemic
December 18, 2020
Today’s budget – what it means for people with money and mental health problems
March 15, 2023
Too ill to work, too broke not to
The cost of sickness absence for people with mental health problems
November 01, 2018Too many people with severe mental illness are left struggling alone with their finances
March 31, 2022
Too much information?
Exploring opportunities and challenges presented by vulnerability data-sharing.
November 16, 2023Tortoise
An article in Tortoise featuring the findings of Money and Mental Health’s research on mortgages.
February 16, 2024Travel insurance
Merlyn Holkar, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Travel insurance – Financial Conduct Authority’s call
September 20, 2017Travel insurance
Exploring people with mental health problems access to travel insurance.
August 21, 2018Treasury Select Committee inquiry on access to financial services
Merlyn Holkar, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Money and Mental Health response to the
December 18, 2018Universal Credit and sanctions: the toll on people’s mental health
Cara MacSherry, External Affairs Intern, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
January 16, 2024Universal Credit: Why managed migration is failing people with mental health problems
Becca Stacey, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
May 22, 2024Universal priority services register must be shaped by lived experience to deliver for vulnerable customers
November 16, 2023
Unmissable: The link between debt, mental health problems and missing people
February 27, 2019
Untapped potential
Reducing economic inactivity among people with mental health problems.
March 13, 2023Urgent reforms needed to give people with mental health problems fair access to Universal Credit
March 04, 2019
Victory expected for mental health campaigners as PM commits to review GP paperwork charges following charity campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Victory expected for mental health campaigners as PM commits to review GP
February 08, 2017Victory for Debt Threats campaign, as Government agrees to end distressing default letters
October 07, 2020
Vulnerability: the experience of debt advisers
Supporting debt advice clients in vulnerable situations
November 14, 2018Vulnerable customers are paying the price for unclear returns policies
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Over a fifth of UK’s top retailers are failing to give consumers
November 22, 2018We need to talk about consumer credit collection practices
Toby Murray, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
December 14, 2023Webinar for our research on coronavirus, mental health and income
Catch up on our webinar on the impact of Covid-19 on income and mental health.
July 14, 2020Webinar for our research on mental health and online gambling
Catch up on our webinar exploring the link between mental health and online gambling.
June 9, 2021Webinar on mental health and free debt advice
Catch up on our webinar exploring how free debt advice can be made more accessible to people with mental health problems.
July 23, 2020Webinar: Breaking the link between online financial harms and mental health problems
March 17, 2021
Webinar: What causes the low income trap for people with mental health problems?
September 14, 2020
Welcome steps on benefits reforms, but much more to be done to make the system accessible
March 06, 2019
What can employers do to break the link between money and mental health problems?
July 26, 2023
What can essential services firms and local authorities learn about supporting vulnerable customers from our new research?
December 03, 2021
What does the new government mean for financial inclusion?
Helen Undy, Chief Executive, Money and Mental Health
July 05, 2024What needs to happen to ensure people with mental health problems can access insurance?
February 08, 2023
What new work-related sanctions on Universal Credit will mean for people with mental health problems
January 27, 2022
What the FCA’s new ‘Consumer Duty’ means for customers with mental health problems
July 27, 2022
What the Financial Lives survey tells us about money and mental health during the pandemic
February 12, 2021
What the government’s new cost-of-living announcements means for people with mental health problems
May 26, 2022
What the money in our pockets tells us about mental health in British society, past and present.
June 17, 2016
What’s going wrong with public sector debt collection? The findings of our new research
Toby Murray, Senior Research Officer, and Francesca Smith, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
September 10, 2024whatMORTGAGE
whatMORTGAGE coverage of the impact of rising mortgage repayments on mental health.
January 25, 2024Where the heart is
Exploring people with mental health problems’ experience of social housing and rent arrears.
April 16, 2018Where the heart is press release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Over a million UK adults are struggling with both their mental
April 17, 2018Which?
Which? referenced our research in an article covering the difficulties people in vulnerable circumstances face when trying to get in touch with essential service firms.
December 06, 2023Whose job is it anyway?
How mental health practitioners can help people to navigate financial difficulty.
October 16, 2017Why getting older doesn’t always mean escaping the burden of mortgage debt when you have a mental health problem
Francesca Smith, Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
August 08, 2024Why the DWP’s proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment risk harming people with mental health problems
Becca Stacey, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
November 20, 2023Why the government should ban financial cold calls
Chris Lees, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute
October 09, 2023Why the next government needs to ‘level up’ for people with mental health problems
July 12, 2022
Why the Spring Statement doesn’t go far enough to support people with mental health problems
March 24, 2022
Will upcoming guidance from the Gambling Commission be enough to protect online gamblers from harm?
August 16, 2022
Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry on Universal Credit: the wait for a first payment
April 21, 2020
Work coaches and the mental health knowledge gap
Becca Stacey, Senior Research Officer, Money and Mental Health
August 28, 2024Working-age money-management commissioning plan
Katie Evans, Head of Research & Policy, Money and Mental Health Money and Mental Health’s
July 09, 2018World Bipolar Day: how financial services firms can better support customers with bipolar
Alexis Stevens, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Money and Mental Health
March 28, 2024World Bipolar Day: Making financial and healthcare services work for people with bipolar
March 30, 2023
World Mental Health Day: Time to tackle financial inequalities for people with mental health problems
October 08, 2021
Would capping energy prices help people with mental health problems to get a better deal?
May 05, 2017
Written off?
Making insurance work better for people with mental health problems.
February 08, 2023Written Off? How insurance is letting people with mental health problems down
February 08, 2023
Your Money
Our response to the Money and Pensions Service 10-year strategy featured in Your Money.
January 21, 2020