Newer version available

There is a newer version of this publication available:
Debt Advice Handbook Scotland 1st ed - with new material

5. Changing policy

• The Financial Conduct Authority
• Ofgem, Ofcom and Ofwat
• Trade associations
• Local councillors and MPs
• Ombudsmen
• The parliamentary, local authority and health service ombudsman
• The adjudicator’s office
• The Financial Ombudsman Service
• Energy ombudsman
• Complaints about a solicitor
• Monitoring local courts
• Local liaison groups
• Using the media

If a particular law, practice, structure or policy adversely affects many clients or affects vulnerable groups of clients, debt advisers should work to change the policy.

When contacting individual creditors, stress that this is a general social policy approach and not an attempt to reopen a case that has already been discussed.

Other organisations can be helpful. The ways in which creditors deal with debt may be controlled or overseen by one of a number of organisations.

You should also pass on details to umbrella organisations, such as Citizens Advice Scotland, AdviceUK or Money Advice Scotland.