Grant News
The Money and Pensions Service has opened Round 1 applications for its Community-Based Debt Advice Grant Scheme in England.
MaPS is an independent public body sponsored by the Department for Work and Pensions. It provides financial guidance and supports free debt advice services. The new grant scheme is designed to help people in financial difficulty, particularly those most in need, access trusted, free and tailored debt advice through local community organisations.
Funding will be awarded across nine regional areas in the East Midlands, North West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Each area will receive between £1.5 million and £6 million a year.
The grants will support lead organisations and their delivery partners to provide debt advice that meets regulatory and quality standards. In-person support will be a core part of the service, alongside telephone and digital advice.
MaPS is looking for services that are well connected to local communities and linked to wider support, including housing and welfare advice. The aim is to help people manage money more confidently, improve their wellbeing and reduce problem debt.
The remaining five regions will be competed across six Lots in 2027, with services expected to start in April 2029. These are London, the North East, the East of England and the South West.
Key eligibility points include:
- applicants must be based in England and apply for a named Round 1 regional area
- lead applicants must hold FCA authorisation, or have confirmation that authorisation is likely to be approved, at Stage 1
- applicants and delivery partners must hold, or commit to holding, a MaPS-accredited quality standard
- Stage 1 applications must be submitted by 1pm on 5 June 2026
Shortlisted applicants will then move to a more detailed second stage. Final decisions are not expected before April 2027, with services due to begin on 1 April 2028.
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