Service cuts are limiting access to free and independent advice, according to a new survey of AdviceUK member organisations. Three-quarters of those who responded to the survey reported rising demand as a key driver of pressure and nearly half reported service reductions during the past 12 months.
The findings suggest mounting pressure across the advice sector, with implications for people’s ability to access free and independent advice on issues such as welfare benefits, debt, housing and immigration, AdviceUK found out from its members.
AdviceUK says it’s survey of nearly 200 member organisations that support thousands of people across England, Scotland and Wales, paints a concerning picture:
- Cuts in services are restricting access to advice: Nearly half (48%) of AdviceUK members responding to the survey reported reducing services during the past 12 months. Many organisations are already scaling back provision while a majority remain concerned about their financial sustainability in the year ahead.
- Demand continues to outstrip capacity. Three quarters (75.6%) of members identified rising demand as a key driver of pressure on their services, while almost half (45.5%) cited reduced funding. More than half (55%) of respondents also expressed concern about funding over the coming year.
- Workforce pressure continues to grow. Members reported making difficult workforce decisions in response to financial and operational pressures, including redundancies (30%), salary freezes or reductions (35%) and cancelling planned recruitment (35%). Most respondents reported taking more than one of these actions, while 72% said staff were working some level of unpaid overtime.
- Advice services feel undervalued and unsupported. Fifty-eight per cent of respondents said the Government does not understand the value or role of advice services, while 57% said they did not feel prepared to respond to policy changes.
According to AdviceUK, the findings underline the urgent need for greater and long-term investment, improved workforce development and stronger recognition of the vital role advice services play in resolving problems early, preventing crises and easing pressure on wider public services.
An additional briefing will follow in Autumn 2026, exploring in greater depth the advice sector workforce and the growing gap between demand for advice and the advice sector’s capacity to meet it.