The nationalisation of financial advice

The Conservatives are today claiming credit for the introduction of a National Money Guidance Service. Regardless of which party thought of it first, it's a bad idea to impose a  'Social Responsibility Levy' (ie a tax) to pay for 'independent' (ie Government-approved) advisors. Especially when it will be 'delivered' by the FSA.  A supervisory body which failed spot trouble brewing at Northern Rock is the last place I should look for a guarantee of financial wisdom.