Equitable Life Assurance Society
Treasury
Written answers and statements, 5 November 2009
Ben Chapman (Wirral South, Labour)
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what discussions he has had on the provision of free financial advice to (a) pensioners and (b) others who have lost money following investment in Equitable Life; and whether he plans to review the present level of advice provided.
Sarah McCarthy-Fry (Parliamentary Secretary, HM Treasury; Portsmouth North, Labour)
The Government, jointly with the FSA, are piloting a free money guidance service, called 'Moneymadeclear', in the North West and North East of England. The Government intend for the service to be rolled out nationally from spring 2010. The pilot is being delivered by a number of partner organisations including those used and trusted by older people, such as Age Concern and Citizens Advice. Covering a wide range of personal finance topics, money guidance aims to help people make informed financial decisions. It can also refer people on to more specialist sources of help such as the Pensions Advisory Service or independent financial advice.