Given here are some resources for advice on money and debt matters:

Voluntary sector money advice organisations work largely behind the scenes without direct interface with the public, but are nevertheless closely involved in supporting non-profit-making advice services in the community. People faced with financial problems need to be aware of the sharp distinction between socially motivated voluntary sector advice centres and certain fee-charging ‘advice centres’ and consultancies, some of which have been known to have names which could be confused with voluntary or even public bodies. Genuine, professionally competent, regulated financial advisers have their place, but it is important that people in need have access to free, impartial money advice and that they take care to distinguish them from those whose ‘help’ may well compound their problem. In addition to the well known high-street advice centres, the following are specialist advisory services.

Consumer Credit Counselling Services (CCCS)

Wade House, Merrion Centre, Leeds LS2 8NG

Freephone: 0800 1381111 Fax: 0113 2970100

This charity, which has nine regional centres in the UK, can help to make your debts manageable with a Debt Management Plan. This is a debt repayment schedule agreed by you and a CCCS counsellor based on the information you provide. Your counsellor will consider the needs of your family as well as the requirements of your creditors, most of whom will accept adjusted monthly payments through CCCS.

Some people benefit from budget counselling alone while others need a more structured programme. CCCS is confidential and free to clients. It is offered on a face-to-face or telephone counselling basis. If you would like to meet a counsellor, call the above number to make an appointment or to discus your needs. If visiting, the premises are fully accessible, and convenient parking can be arranged with prior notice.

Money Advice Association:

Kempton House, Kempton Way, Dysart Road, Grantham NG31 7LE
Tel: 01476 594 970 Fax: 01476 591 204
The co-ordinating body for money advice services in the UK

The Money Advice Trust:

Bridge House, 181 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4DZ
Tel: 0207 489 7706; Fax: 0207 489 7704

Encourages improvements in the availability, quality and effectiveness of money and advice services throughout the UK.

National Debtline:

Freephone: 0808 808 4000
Weekdays: 9.00am-9.00pm Sat: 9.30am-1.00pm

A UK-wide telephone helpline for people with debt problems. The service is free, confidential and independent. Every caller is given expert advice over the telephone and this is backed up by a self-help information pack, Dealing with your Debts, sent free of charge, and packed with information: how to work out your personal budget, how to prioritise debts and deal with them, working out offers of payment to creditors and dealing with Count Court papers and procedures. The writing is clear and concise and the advice is very practical and comforting in its concern for the reader’s problems.

National Debtline produces a series of supplementary factsheets which are free to individuals. These cover specific subjects in depth that cannot be included in the general Dealing with your debts self help-pack.

The following factsheets are available:

Bankruptcy

Bailiffs and the council tax

Harassment by creditors

Credit reference agencies

Negative equity - what can I do ?

Mortgage shortfalls

Assured tenancies

Homelessness

How to set aside a judgement in the County Court

Administration orders in the County Court

Charging orders in the County Court

Time orders in the County Court

Suspending a warrant/Reducing instalments on a County Court judgement

Magistrates’ Court fines

Hire purchase - what will I owe if the agreement ends ?

Christmas factsheet - how to avoid debt at Christmas

How to deal with business debts

The High Court - a DIY guide.

Further Information:

Debt : what to do if the bills pile up ( Office of Fair Trading, Field house, 15 - 25 Bream’s Building, London EC4A 1PR, Tel: 0345 224499, 1996 free. A booklet providing an action plan and authoritative advice.

Managing Debt by Rex Mottershead ( Age Concern England, Astral house, 1268 London Road, London SW16 4ER, Tel: 0800 009966, 1998, price £6.99. A self-help guide written in clear, jargon-free language.

Managing a lump sum ( Help the Aged, St James’s Walk, London EC1R 0BE, Tel: 0207 253 0253, 1993. A booklet explaining in simple terms some of the savings and investment choices available. 

Also from Help the Aged
Thinking about money, 1995. A booklet offering useful advice on how to assess your present financial situation and prepare a balanced personal budget.