The service helped clients find solutions to debt, as well as making successful welfare benefit claims and appeals.

MMAS supported 12,404 unique clients and opened 41,339 new cases during 2024-25.  

The Money Advice Team within the service worked with almost 2,000 new clients, addressing over £11 million of problem debt. Importantly, £2.28 million of debt was written off, allowing individuals and families to regain financial stability and avoid escalation into crisis.

For every £1 invested by the council, MMAS delivered £12.47 in financial benefit to residents. This demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of the service and its contribution to both household income and the wider local economy.

The service also helped people in times of crisis, helping secure 4,840 energy voucher referrals, 2,333 foodbank referrals and 4,821 Cash First vouchers.

Chair of the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee, Councillor Lesley McDonald, said: “For many years now MMAS has been a vital and life-changing resource for many people most at risk of poverty and exclusion.

“The service has always treated its clients with dignity and respect, and these latest figures show the huge difference it makes in either saving people money or increasing the cash in their pockets.”

More details can be found in the Money Matters Advice Service Annual Report - 2024/2025 which was reported to the council’s Finance and Corporate Resources Committee.

Find out more about Money Matters on the council website.