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

WIFA entry tips from the judges: Insight into what makes a standout entry

WIFA entry tips from the judges: Insight into what makes a standout entry

Gillian Hepburn and Sam Slator in the studio

Professional Adviser
clock 10 June 2026 • 1 min read
Small firms to file accounts with Companies House from 2028

Small firms to file accounts with Companies House from 2028

Must file profit and loss accounts but can opt out of publication

Sophia Panayi
clock 10 June 2026 • 2 min read
FCA deputy CEO: Regulator cannot scale financial inclusion initiatives alone

FCA deputy CEO: Regulator cannot scale financial inclusion initiatives alone

FCA deputy CEO Sarah Pritchard speaks to Treasury Committee

Sophia Panayi
clock 09 June 2026 • 3 min read