Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

Aggressive council tax debt collection practices – even after missing just ONE payment – are putting up to two million people at risk of serious harm, new research from charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) has found. The charity's chair and founder Martin Lewis has called for Government action and urged local authorities to look at their methods in the meantime.

New rules are urgently needed to stop lenders overwhelming people with letters, calls, texts and emails about missed payments. Charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) and its chair, founder and core funder Martin Lewis are calling for the Government to make changes to prevent firms causing unnecessary distress to those already under strain.

Urgent action is needed from the financial watchdog to prevent vulnerable people from being overcharged for insurance products. Charity the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI), which was set-up by MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis, has issued the calls after finding people with mental health problems are being charged 27 times more for insurance than non-sufferers.

People with mental health problems have faced a much bigger hit to their finances during the pandemic than the wider population and are three times more likely to have fallen into serious debt, according to the results of a major national survey published today.

Campaigners have called on the Government to fix "absurd flaws" with the benefits system that prevent vulnerable people from getting help from family and friends to manage their universal credit accounts. Without this help, campaigners warn claimants ultimately risk losing their benefits.    

New rules giving those in England and Wales who are struggling with problem debt a two-month grace period to get their finances back under control come into force today, in a huge victory for MoneySavingExpert.com and others who've campaigned hard on the issue.   

Mental health sufferers are three times more likely to fall victim to online scams, while the coronavirus pandemic has made the threat worse - and now campaigners are calling on the Government to act.

The Government has today agreed to change old laws which force lenders to send intimidating letters to people struggling with debt, in a key campaign victory for the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute charity set up by MoneySavingExpert.com founder Martin Lewis.

New rules which will give people struggling with problem debt a 60-day grace period to get their finances back under control are set to help millions, according to new estimates published by the Government.

Healthcare professionals have a "crucial role" in helping people with mental health problems avoid financial difficulties, according to a new report – but many patients aren't being offered this support.