Debt Advice

Who to contact for information and support regarding debts and arrears.

Free and Impartial Debt Advice

Contact National Debtline:

• Phone: 0808 808 4000
• Open:
  • Monday to Friday: 9 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 9:30 am to 1 pm

What You Need to Do

If you need debt advice, try not to panic. Collect information about your debts. If you have letters, gather this information:

• Name and address of the person/organization you owe money to
• The amount you owe
• Account or reference numbers they have used

Prioritizing Debts

Some debts are more important to pay first. These are called ‘Priority Debts’. If you do not pay them, there could be serious consequences.

Priority Debts:

• Rent arrears: You could lose your home.
• Fuel arrears: Your supply could be cut off.
• TV Licence: It’s a criminal offense to use a TV without one.
• Council Tax Arrears: Can result in large fines.
• Court Fines: Can result in large fines.
• Child Maintenance Payments: Can result in large fines.
• Mortgage Arrears: If you live in a home you have mortgaged.

If these debts are not paid, bailiffs might be sent to your address.

Non-Priority Debts:

• Consumer debts like credit card loans
• Hire purchase
• Overdrafts
• Overpayment of benefits
• Student loans
• Money borrowed from family/friends

Creditors can take you to court for non-priority debts but cannot send bailiffs to your address.

Repayment Offers

If you can, you can make repayment offers to the people or organizations you owe money to yourself.

Debt Advice Contacts

Citizens Advice:

• Phone: 0344 411 1444
• Free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice on debt and more.

StepChange Debt Charity:

• Phone: 0800 138 1111
• Open:
  • Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 8 am to 4 pm
• Free and confidential advice on debt. Their website has a tool for calculating your debt remedy.

Money Helper:

• Phone: 0800 138 7777
• Open:
  • Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am to 1 pm
• Free and impartial money advice, guides, and tools to help manage your finances. Support is available in person, over the phone, and online.

If you are experiencing difficulties, please contact the Friends, Families and Travellers helpline on 01273 234 777. We are open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays.

Correct as of May 2024.