The Accessing Money Advice and Advisory Services questionnaire which returned 560 responses has helped identify areas where improvements can be made, with many of the recommendations having already been implemented.
At Tuesday's (25 March 2025) Anti-Poverty and Inequality Committee, members heard how the results highlighted the need for greater service availability, stronger collaboration between providers, and improved access to financial education resources.
Improvement actions taken forward have included:
- A series of SHMU Radio shows have been arranged to raise awareness of benefits, debt support and financial advice services available.
- The Financial Inclusion Team have targeted benefit take-up using the Low-Income Family Tracker (LIFT).
- A number of actions aimed at improving financial literacy have included ABZ Works, Adult Learning and Financial Inclusion Team working in partnership on various projects and financial education being provided by MyBnk.
- Work is being undertaken through a Local Improvement Group project to simplify information, ensuring leaflets are easy read and available in multiple languages.
- A new data project is being developed for Aberdeen City to connect individuals and families with essential support based on their needs.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard said: “I’m pleased to see progress being made with vital improvements for accessing the money advice and advisory services.
“Raising awareness of the services available and improving financial support and education for those most in need is crucial for tackling poverty across the city.”
Anti-Poverty and Inequality Vice-Convener Councillor Desmond Bouse said: “Increasing collaboration and partnership working between all organisations involved with improving access to and awareness of the money advice services available is vital.
“I’m encouraged to see the feedback from the questionnaire being taken forward and subsequent actions being implemented.”
The committee also agreed to continue monitoring the impact of awareness campaigns along with partners in the Anti-Poverty Group. In addition, there will be expansion of the mobile outreach service, incorporating additional locations identified as high-need areas through the data collected.