CSA welcomes BMA pledge to stop charging for DMHEF

Statement from Peter Wallwork, Chief Executive of the Credit Services Association (CSA), in response to today’s news from Money and Mental Health Policy Institute (MMHPI) and the British Medical Association (BMA), that GPs will stop charging for the Debt and Mental Health Evidence Form (DMHEF) required by people to evidence mental health problems in order to receive debt support:

“We very much welcome this positive step by the BMA in helping consumers in financial difficulty, and the acknowledgment of the MMHPI of our industry’s involvement in finding a successful solution.

“It has long been the policy of CSA members to accept any form of relevant evidence - from prescriptions to hospital letters - if it is appropriate and proportionate and helps to better understand the customer’s position. In fact, in May 2018 the CSA went as far as to proactively change its Code of Practice to reflect this and move away from the use of the DMHEF due to the charge.  It is unacceptable that someone with money and mental health problems should have to pay to evidence their condition, and while the DMHEF was a highly effective tool, we welcome moves to stop the charge and simplify the form, particularly if it alleviates an already stressful situation for the customer.

“We look forward to working closely with the medical profession and Martin Lewis and his team in achieving the best outcome for those in debt.”