StepChange Debt Charity marks 30 years of providing free debt advice

Today StepChange Debt Charity is marking 30 years of helping people deal with their debt problems. Originally known as The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), StepChange was set up in 1993 and has since helped over 7.5 million people.

To mark the anniversary, StepChange has published a new report reflecting on what the organisation has achieved over the last 30 years, and how UK household finances and the personal debt landscape have been impacted by national and global events.

Phil Andrew, CEO at StepChange Debt Charity, said:

“Since our inception 30 years ago, StepChange colleagues, trustees and partners have been driven by the mission of creating a society free from problem debt. What problem debt looks like has evolved over the past three decades, shaped by everchanging external factors. However, our mission, and commitment to putting clients at the heart of everything we do has remained constant.

“Having started with just 12 colleagues in Leeds in 1993, it’s both a testament to our colleagues past and present, and a sad indictment of the state of debt in the UK, that we’ve grown to become the biggest debt charity in the UK, helping over half a million people a year who are experiencing financial difficulty. As well as delivering frontline help and solutions, over the past decade we’ve also worked tirelessly to influence policy change and prevent practices that exacerbate debt problems.

“As we mark this anniversary in the midst of a cost of living crisis, having seen some of our busiest days in recent memory, we’re reminded of the importance of free debt advice, and the integral role it plays in society. We’re proud to provide impartial and confidential advice to help people become debt-free, and we’ll continue to help those struggling with their finances for as long as they need us.”