Summary: Community‑based debt advice provides free, trusted, high‑quality debt advice delivered in local communities. It is designed to reduce money worries, improve financial resilience, and help people take control of their finances. The key difference from other debt advice is that services are embedded in local support infrastructure, using community knowledge, partnerships and trusted settings to reach people who may not engage with national or digital services. The ambition is to create a network of services that are visible, trusted, and integrated into local support systems. These services will provide in-person advice as a core component, alongside telephone and digital channels, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for all.

Deadline:5 June 2026

Eligibility: As well as insurance, financial and data protection requirements, eligible applicants must fulfil the following:

• • Regulatory and Quality Requirements
    • Applicants must hold FCA authorisation (or have “minded to approve” status) at Stage One. Delivery partners handling debt advice must meet this requirement by Stage Two
    • Applicants and delivery partners must hold, (or commit to holding by point of Award), a MaPS-accredited Quality Standard.
  • Cyber Essentials Plus
    • Applicants and key delivery partners must commit to obtaining Cyber Essentials Plus at Stage One and achieve certification during mobilisation (where not already held) and demonstrate appropriate organisational arrangements for managing cyber security risks.
    • All other funded partners handling personal data must commit to Cyber Essentials Plus at Stage Two and achieve certification before delivery commences.

Application process: The competition runs in two rounds:

• • • Round 1: nine lots across four regions, with funding ranging from £1.5m to £6m per year per lot. Includes coverage for West Yorkshire as part of Yorkshire and the Humber.
    • Round 2: remaining regions competed in 2027, with services starting in April 2029.
    • An Expression of Interest (EOI) process is open for potential lead grant holders for the later lots.

How to apply: Applications are managed through the Atamis e‑tendering portal, ensuring a fair and transparent process.

• • • For Round 1: The competition follows a structured four‑stage process:
      • Light‑touch application
      • Detailed application
      • Dialogue phase
      • Final submission and assessment.
      • Supporting materials and engagement
    • The Money & Pensions Service (MaPS) has published:
      • An application information pack.
      • A draft grant funding agreement (both for reference).
      • Webinars and market engagement materials are available to support applicants.