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.
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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 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 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 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 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 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, 2018Nationwide 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, 2019Online 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
Over 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
People 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
Putting 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 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
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
Late night shopping research featured in the Independent.
September 13, 2019The 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
We featured on a special episode of the Martin Lewis Money Show for World Mental Health Day 2023.
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 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 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 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
whatMORTGAGE
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 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
Working-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