Moneymadeclear will offer advice on topics such as buying a home and saving for retirement, as well as guidance to people who are in arrears on their mortgage or bills, and giving tips on budgeting.

Its staff will offer consumers free advice on money issues by phone, face-to-face and through the internet.

The service, which has already been trialled for a year in the North East and North West, will be rolled out across the rest of the country from April 1.

The trial found that one of the most common causes of concern for people related to mortgages, loans and credit cards, followed by people wanting advice on saving or getting their first mortgage.

 Chancellor Alistair Darling said:

"Moneymadeclear is free, impartial advice for all, whether you are unsure about the small print in a mortgage form; want advice about opening a savings account for your children or grand-children or you want some help dealing with repayments before they get out of hand.

"This service will provide much needed advice for one million people across the UK in the coming year alone."