NatWest Group has pledged £8m in additional funding to consumer debt advice organisations StepChange Debt Charity and PayPlan, extending a partnership that has spanned more than 20 years.
The funding, which will be distributed over the next two years, is intended to help safeguard and expand the free, independent debt advice services offered by both organisations. The commitment sits alongside the group’s contribution through the FCA bank levy.
NatWest said the agreements form part of its wider ambition to strengthen financial resilience and improve inclusion across the UK, at a time when demand for debt support remains elevated.
Haydn Williams, head of financial health & support at NatWest, said: “Our colleagues are trained in supporting customers in financial difficulty and through our long term partnerships with StepChange and PayPlan we can connect customers experiencing financial difficulties for free, independent debt advice, to help get them back on track.
“This is especially important for customers who may have debts with different companies.
“We are very proud to announce this additional funding to support free debt advice provision in the UK and help to ensure that people can receive the support they need during difficult times.
“PayPlan and StepChange are renowned for successfully helping people to get out – and stay out – of financial difficulty.
“Extending our partnerships allows NatWest to contribute to a wider social impact by promoting financial inclusion and stability not only to our customers, but wider communities too.”
“With the rising cost pressures continuing to affect households, the demand for accessible debt advice has never been greater”
Vikki Brownridge, chief executive of StepChange, said demand for advice remained high as households continued to face cost pressures.
She said: “With the rising cost pressures continuing to affect households, the demand for accessible debt advice has never been greater.
“Last year StepChange reached 5.3 million people looking for help with their debts.
“As we near the end of the first year of our five year strategy, this renewed funding will help StepChange to continue to reach more financially vulnerable people, creating good outcomes and equipping them with the tools and the support they need to manage their debts effectively.
“We’re also excited to collaborate with NatWest on research into the financial challenges facing younger generations in the coming months.”
Rachel Duffy, chief executive of PayPlan, said the extension of the partnership would help ensure advice services remained accessible and sustainable.
She said: “NatWest’s commitment to extending this funding partnership is a significant boost to our ability to help those struggling with debt across the UK.
“It ensures that vital advice and support services remain available and sustainable, enabling more people to find manageable solutions and regain financial confidence.
“We are particularly excited to work together on co-designing new tailored digital referral journeys and ways of ensuring vulnerable customers can access advice in a way that works for them.”
Separately, NatWest said it aims to support 50,000 people with free financial education in their workplace or community group during 2026 through its Financial Foundations programme, as part of its broader financial capability strategy.
