Research from AdviceUK underlines the critical role that free, independent advice services play in helping people navigate financial, housing, employment and welfare challenges, while warning that many services are struggling to meet rising demand.
Published as part of AdviceUK’s 2026 ‘Advice Saves’ campaign, the briefing draws on a nationally representative survey of more than 3,000 UK adults and paints a clear picture of both the growing need for advice and the public’s strong support for ensuring that help remains accessible.
According to the research, 88% of UK adults believe everyone should be able to access free, independent advice when they have a problem, while 89% agree that receiving advice early can prevent issues from escalating. However, only 49% of respondents said they were confident they could find free, independent advice if they needed it immediately.
The findings are particularly relevant for the financial inclusion and debt advice sector. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of adults reported experiencing at least one significant issue over the past year, including debt, benefits, housing, employment, council tax or energy-bill problems. Many respondents experienced multiple challenges simultaneously, highlighting the increasingly complex circumstances facing people seeking support.
The report also points to mounting pressures on frontline advice organisations. AdviceUK’s accompanying member research found that more than half of surveyed advice providers had turned clients away during the past year because they lacked capacity to help, despite increasing levels of need.
The findings reinforce the importance of early intervention and effective referral pathways between creditors, debt advisers and wider support services.
Launching the findings during Advice Week 2026, AdviceUK is calling for sustained investment in advice services, arguing that trusted advice not only improves outcomes for individuals but also reduces pressure on public services through prevention and early intervention.