Let's have some constructive criticism

clock

Some of the comments I've been hearing in response to the government's plan to offer free financial advice to every UK adult within the next five years have been really shocking.

Lots of advisers have slammed the initiative, saying it has no chance of working and that it is, quite frankly, a ridiculous idea. But the comment which really made me angry was that people should be responsible for their own actions and shouldn’t be handed things like free advice on a plate. Considering the country is facing a debt crisis, which if it continues will result in fewer and fewer people being able to afford to pay for advice and therefore less clients for advisers, I would have thought the initiative would have been welcomed. Sometimes it seems like people in the finan...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Your profession

One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

One in five consider financial advice to deal with turbulent times

Almost a fifth of people are newly considering getting financial advice to help them feel more confident amid a less predictable, more uncertain world, according to research.

clock 03 February 2026 • 3 min read
Firm owners 'facing pressure' to make technology decisions

Firm owners 'facing pressure' to make technology decisions

‘AI is framed as something that will change everything’

Sahar Nazir
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read

Advisers urged to consider clients' 'trust state' and establish credibility early

‘Trust is built in moments of uncertainty, not certainty’

Isabel Baxter
clock 30 January 2026 • 3 min read