A number of research reports are available for purchase/download - more details below

This is a small exploratory study into consumers’ access to bank accounts. The research was carried out because we had identified from some of our member agencies that their clients had experienced difficulties in accessing a bank account. We also were aware through discussions with some members of the banking industry they were interested in hearing the viewpoint of the consumer, and how things were working at grass roots level.

It has also been well documented that many families throughout Scotland are trapped in a vicious cycle of poverty and exclusion, and that levels of poverty, particularly child poverty are higher in Scotland. We also know from previous research carried out that 13% of Scottish households have no financial products, which is twice the UK average.

The report comes up with eight key recommendations based on the research and it's conclusions.

Copies of the report are available from Money Advice Scotland priced £5.00.

In order to help those who may not know where or how to seek money, Money Advice Scotland launched a Debt Awareness Week campaign with Clyde 1 and 2 FM and Radio Forth in order to reach a large audience over the central belt of Scotland.

The campaign has run for the past three years with Clyde Action but was new to Forth Action and subsequently the Edinburgh and Lothian region. Throughout the week the stations involved broadcast information and trailers publicising the campaign, telling the public that they can phone and obtain free help from a money adviser if they have a debt problem or require money advice.

Money advisers were available between 11am and 3pm daily, manning a dedicated phone line at the Clyde Action and Forth Action premises. All advisers gave of their time freely to Money Advice Scotland as membership organisations of MAS.

The report "Calling for Change" reveals some surprising levels of debt in Central Scotland particularly with skilled and professional workers and others with high incomes.

Copies of the report are available from Money Advice Scotland priced £5.00.

Earlier research identified that money advice services in Scotland were at a crossroads. Many agencies had lost funding, were open for fewer hours and as a result were stretched to breaking point. Some agencies had closed completely. In the light of these findings, the report recommended that further research be undertaken into the quality of advice services across the country.

This study was subsequently commissioned by the Scottish Executive to investigate the overall levels of quality of money advice in Scotland and, more importantly, what influences that quality.

The main stages of the research comprised: interviews with representatives of national advice organisations; interviews with agency managers and advisers at 20 case study agencies; the peer review of case records and one-off telephone enquiries by a team of skilled and experienced money advisers; and interview with clients of advice agencies.

Copies of the report are available from Money Advice Scotland priced £15.00 (an Executive Summary is also available, priced £5.00)

To order copies of any of these research reports, please contact us by email giving your full name, delivery address and invoice address if different.