The Debt Advice Service

The Debt Advice Service: advice on unsecured debts in the UK

The Debt Advice Service is the trading name of Pacific Financial Solutions Ltd, a firm authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 688034) and registered in England and Wales. Its activity focuses on helping people with unsecured debts to assess their options and find a solution suited to their financial situation.

Solutions for different types of debt

The entity works with most unsecured debts, including credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, store cards and catalogue credit lines. It also states that it can help with some types of business debt, upon enquiry. The solutions it offers include Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), Bankruptcy, Debt Management Plan (DMP), Debt Relief Order (DRO), Protected Trust Deed and Breathing Space. The firm notes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that eligibility depends on each person's specific circumstances.

Five-step advice process

The service begins with a free assessment in which the user answers questions about their financial situation. Then an adviser speaks with the person to review their case and set out realistic options. The team supports the client throughout the process, with no pressure to decide immediately, and if a specific solution is chosen, the process continues through an in-house insolvency practitioner or is referred to a trusted partner. The company states that speaking with an adviser by phone is the fastest way to learn about the alternatives and that the conversation is confidential.

Entity profile and activity data

According to its own presentation, The Debt Advice Service serves more than 15,000 people a year in the UK and holds conversations with more than 300 households a day. The firm reports a Trustpilot score of 4.9 and more than 400 verified reviews on Reviews.io. Its team has, according to the company, more than 100 years of combined experience. The company is registered with number 09404359 and its registered office is at Ram Mill, Gordon Street, Chadderton, Oldham, England, OL9 9RH. It holds ICO registration ZA207735.

Insolvency practitioners and fee transparency

The firm has in-house insolvency practitioners: Jason Bowen (membership number 6142284) and Carl McMullen (membership number 106181), authorised to act in the UK. The company states that information and advice are free, although if a solution such as an IVA or a DMP is formalised, fees apply, which are explained in advance and included in the affordable monthly payment. It also warns that it may pass data to selected partners or third parties and receive remuneration for doing so, and that in an IVA its insolvency practitioners may act jointly as nominee with those of another partner firm.

Information resources and tools

In addition to direct advice, the website brings together content on misconceptions about IVAs, appealing traffic and parking fines, and a benefits calculator. The site includes a blog with posts on debt and mental health, gambling and debt, and the debt situation in the UK, among other topics. The company refers to Money Helper, an independent service for managing money, and clarifies that it is not associated with that entity.

Location and contact

Ram Mill, Gordon Street, Chadderton, Oldham, England, OL9 9RH