UKResearch
AdviceUK survey finds widespread public ignorance of free advice services
AdviceUK research published on September 25, 2026 found that only about a quarter of UK adults realise independent advice organizations are free and know how to access them, Legal Futures reported. A Focaldata poll of 3,014 people showed strong public support for free advice but poor awareness and perceived availability; a parallel member survey found half of advice agencies turned people away for lack of capacity in the past year.
Key points
- Only about a quarter of adults knew free independent advice was available and how to access it.Legal Futures
- 88% agreed everyone should be able to get free independent advice when they have a problem.Legal Futures
- Half of AdviceUK member agencies turned people away in the past year for lack of capacity.Legal Futures
- Member agencies cited rising demand, reduced funding and staff absence or turnover as capacity pressures.Legal Futures
- Seven in 10 adults have used or would consider AI for personal advice, but a similar share said they would trust a free adviser more.Legal Futures