The Money Advice Service has announced a £4 million year-on-year increase in funding for the delivery of free debt advice to people across England and Wales.

Almost £35 million will be committed in 2015/16. This funding will provide for 336,000 free debt advice sessions, 52% more than in 2014/15.

The advice is delivered through five lead partners: Citizens Advice, East Midlands Money Advice, Capitalise, Money Advice West and Greater Merseyside Money Advice.

Caroline Siarkiewicz, head of UK debt advice programme for the Money Advice Service, said: “We know how effective free advice can be in helping people escape from the spiral of debt. So we are really pleased to be able to commit an additional £4m to advice in England and Wales, enabling 50% more people to benefit.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the fantastic work, done day in, day out, by our partners, helping us to ensure that high quality and consistent debt advice is available for those who need it most. The funding announced today will contribute to enabling people to overcome debt quickly, helping them to stay out of difficulties in the future by providing ongoing support with money management.

“Only 17% of indebted people seek the advice they need so over the coming years we will continue to work collaboratively with partners, across the debt advice sector to review where services can be expanded to reach even more people.”

Gillian Guy, chief executive for Citizen’s Advice, added: “Free, impartial debt advice can be a lifeline for people who feel trapped by their money problems. Last year over 400,000 people turned to Citizens Advice for help with debt, and it is essential that people can get the support they need to address their finances.

“The right debt advice can transform lives, and this investment from the Money Advice Service will mean we can keep helping people across England and Wales to overcome their money woes.”