Summary
The Department for Communities is seeking views on draft proposals to support the delivery of independent advice and debt services in Northern Ireland.
Documents
- Support Framework for Independent Advice and Debt Services - Proposals for consultation
- Support Framework for Independent Advice and Debt Services - Pre-consultation engagement and evidence gathering
- Support Framework for Independent Advice and Debt Services - Rural Needs Impact Assessment
- Privacy Notice for Consultation on Support Framework for Independent Advice and Debt Services
Consultation description
The Department for Communities has put forward draft proposals for how the Department will work with local government and independent advice providers to ensure that people can access consistent quality advice regardless of where they live in Northern Ireland, with a focus on ensuring that the Department’s investment:
- supports independent advice and debt service-providers to meet needs on the ground;
- strikes the right balance between supporting frontline community delivery and regional services; and
- supports collaboration and joining up of services to minimise duplication, maximise resources and improve outcomes for clients.
Join our online consultation events
To support this consultation, we are hosting two online events where you can learn more and ask questions:
- Support Framework for Independent Advice & Debt Services engagement event – 9 October 2025
- Support Framework for Independent Advice & Debt Services engagement event – 14 October 2025
The Department has also published its Equality Impact Screening document.
Ways to respond
Consultation closed — responses are no longer being accepted.