Money and Mental Health Policy Institute

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.

At least four more high street banks – Bank of Scotland, Halifax, Lloyds and Santander – are working on plans to help customers restrict their spending on gambling, after Barclays became the first to do so last month.

Barclays has become the first UK high street bank to allow you to block payments to certain categories of retailer, such as gambling services and premium rate phone lines, in a bid to help vulnerable customers.

Almost half of those who take time off work due to mental health issues have to borrow money to make ends meet, while 42% go without essentials such as food and electricity, a new report shows.

Some travel insurers hiked premiums by up to 2000% for those who have severe mental health problems, the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute has revealed.

Thousands of people who are in mental health crisis and struggling with serious debt will be given breathing space from further interest, charges and enforcement action following a campaign victory by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.