A list of organisations that can help if you need information about debt and related issues.
National Debtline
Provides a free, confidential and independent helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. They can give expert advice over the phone as well as providing a self-help information pack. Call 0808 808 4000 (free, Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm, Saturday 9.30 to 1pm). You can also download a lot of information from their website.
Debtline Northern Ireland
Is available on 0800 027 4990 (free, Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm).
Business Debtline
Provides free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems in a business. Their website is designed to help any business that has cash flow or debt problems with practical advice in managing a way through financial difficulties, and a step-by-step guide. The site also includes the ‘golden rules’ to remember when dealing with your debts. Call 0800 197 6026 (free, confidential, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
You may have heard about or seen adverts mentioning an alternative to bankruptcy called an 'individual voluntary arrangement' or IVA. This is an arrangement made through the County Court to pay an agreed amount off your debts, over a shorter period. It usually means paying a high monthly instalment over three to five years. The rest of the debts are written off. An IVA is not suitable for everyone, so call the National Debtline 0808 808 4000 to find out the best debt plan for you.
Citizens Advice Bureau
C A B advisers can help fill out forms, write letters, negotiate with creditors and provide representation at court or tribunals. This service is free, confidential and independent and you can find the location of your nearest office in your phone directory under Citizens Advice Bureau. On their website you’ll find masses of information including ways of coping in the recession, as well as details of CAB support in your area.
CCCS
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service offers free and confidential services from budgeting advice to practical Debt Management Plans. Call 0800 138 1111 (free, Monday – Friday 8am - 8pm). If you go to their website you'll see various ways in which you can start to help yourself, including an online personalised debt remedy.
Direct Gov
Has information on many aspects of debt, mortgage arrears, losing your job and repossessions. There’s also a section on what happens, and what you need to do, if somebody makes a County Court Claim against you. Go to the websiteand click on ‘Real Help Now’.
Samaritans
Don’t let debts and financial worries overwhelm you. If you’re feeling distressed and need someone to talk to, you can phone Samaritans at any time of day or night on 08457 90 90 90, email for support to jo@samaritans.org.
Credit reference agencies are licensed in the UK to keep information on people's credit histories, which is made available to lenders to help them decide whether or not to accept credit applications from their customers. They have a legal obligation to provide you with access to the information held about you:
Experian
You can obtain this about you from Experian calling 0844 481 8000 (Monday Friday, 6pm, Saturday 9am 1pm) or by going to the website, which contains a lot of information on credit
Equifax
You can also find out about your personal credit rating using Equifax.
Call Credit
Holds information on many millions of UK consumers. You can order your personal credit report from Call Credit by using the form available on the website or by calling 0870 060 1414.
Finance Victims
Very useful if you have been sold the wrong personal finance product, or a bad product, if the product you have bought is causing unreasonable problems or if you have debt problems.
Financial Ombudsman Service
The official independent expert in settling complaints between consumers and businesses that provide financial services. It's important that these businesses, such as banks, hear any concerns consumers may have and put things right when needed. The business you think is responsible for a problem should have the chance to look into any complaint before the ombudsman steps in and decides who is right or wrong. If you don't know who to complain to at the business, or you're unsure about anything, go to the FOS website or call the FOS consumer helpline on 0845 080 1800 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm).
