North Ayrshire Financial Inclusion Partnership (NAFIP) is seeking views on users’ experiences of financial advice services in North Ayrshire.
The survey wants to hear the experiences of residents on welfare rights/benefits and money/debt advice services in North Ayrshire and opinions on those providing advice on energy bills.
Responses are anonymous and will help to inform a refresh of the North Ayrshire Financial Inclusion Strategy and action plan for 2024-2028.
NAFIP was formed as part of North Ayrshire Council’s response to the cost of living crisis and is made up of representatives from public and third sector advice services, as well as stakeholders from employability, education, housing, social work, customer services, community link workers, the DWP and Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.
Their aim is to support people in North Ayrshire to reduce financial exclusion and child poverty by making the best use of all available resources in relation to entitlements, managing money, debt, financial literacy, digital inclusion, affordable lending, fuel poverty, health and wellbeing and more.
Councillor Margaret Johnson, cabinet member for health and social care, said: “Financial inclusion means that everyone, regardless of their background or income, has access to advice, information and support to help effectively manage their finances and avoid health and wellbeing issues linked to experiencing financial difficulties, including unmanageable debt.
“We know the cost of living crisis is having the greatest impact on low-income households, particularly people with disabilities or long-term health conditions, lone parent families and people in rural and island communities.
“However, there is also increasing demand for debt advice from people who sit just above the benefits entitlement threshold and from people who were traditionally less likely to access advice services, such as homeowners and professional people.
“We’re seeking your views on financial support services so we can work in partnership to ensure the right support is available to everyone who needs it, at the right time and in a way that works for them.
“Your input to the survey will be much appreciated and will help to shape our work in future.”
The survey, which closes on Friday November 3, should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete and can be filled in online at https://tinyurl.com/NAFIPSurvey.
Councillor Margaret Johnson. No_B43financial01_23_Margaret_Johnson