About Us

The problem of financial exclusion and its effect on communities are all too evident in disadvantaged areas of Glasgow.  More and more individuals are finding themselves trapped in a spiral of debt due to extortionate interest rates of doorstep lenders and the exorbitant cost of credit for those on low income. 

Pollok Budgeting Service and Castlemilk Budgeting Service, recognising the detrimental long term effects of financial exclusion and problem debt on families and the community as a whole, produced the idea for a comprehensive solution to this problem in the form of Scottish Financial Inclusion Services (SFIS).   Funding from the Scottish Executive has enabled the development of this brand new organisation.

SFIS is an innovative addition to the existing Money Advice organisations in Glasgow.  The main aim of SFIS is to provide a holistic approach towards addressing the problem of financial exclusion.  It will operate on a referral basis with other agencies, including Money Advice Agencies, Local Development Companies, Social Work Department and Equal Access, providing financial help to those who require it most.  SFIS will draw up a debt action plan, and provide long term support for clients to become free of problem debt.  It is of utmost importance that each client will be assisted during the transition period between unemployment and returning to the labour market, and SFIS will work closely with employment and training agencies in order to achieve this. 

In providing this comprehensive approach towards financial exclusion it is our belief that SFIS will have a meaningful impact on the problem, providing effective routes out of debt with complementary long term support allowing positive steps to be taken to lift disadvantaged groups out of poverty.