Debt advice
Many people fall into debt at some point in their lives. This can be due to lots of reasons such as a change in financial circumstances caused by reduced income, overuse of credit, relationship problems, a change in employment status or illness.
Almost 2 million people in the United Kingdom owe more that £10,000 on credit cards, overdrafts or other unsecured loans, and about 500,000 people owe more than £20,000 (Source: Gfk NOP, 2006).
If you are worried about debt then try not to panic but do not ignore this problem and do not borrow money to pay off your debts. There are ways you can deal with debt that will help you regain control of your money and give you peace of mind.
Basic steps to get out of debt
- The first step is to make a list of all the people you owe money to.
- Then, place each of these into a category of either being a priority debt or a non-priority debt. Priority debts include things such as mortgage or rent arrears, council tax arrears or court fines. These are the most urgent debts because if you do not pay them, it could eventually lead to the loss of your goods, your home or being imprisoned. Non-priority debts on the other hand include things such as overdrafts, loans, hire purchase, or credit cards.
- The next step is to draw up your personal budget so that you know how much money is coming in and how much is going out. This will help you work out how much you might be able to offer creditors to clear your debts. You can do this by completing the financial statement below
- Then, contact the people you owe money to, explain your situation and make them an offer that is realistic and manageable. Don’t give up trying to reach an agreement if they are difficult and make sure that you keep copies of all letters you receive or send.
Who to contact for further advice
If this sounds daunting or you do not think that you have enough income to cover all of your debts, then do not worry. You do not have to do this on your own as there is help out there.
There are many organisations that offer free, impartial, confidential advice and can even speak to the people you owe money to on your behalf. Here is a list of organisations that you can contact for further advice:
Floating Support
This is a free service that offers housing-related support to help maintain tenancies or mortgages, which can include help in managing finances and benefit claims. Contact Dartford Borough Council for more details at 01322 343378.
Housing Rents
If you are a Council tenant and in rent arrears, please contact the Housing Management Team immediately to discuss your options.
Area Team East
Swanscombe, Bean, Greenhithe, Longfield, Southfleet, Fleet Estate, Sutton-at-Hone, Darenth, Stone
01322 343570 email:rents@dartford.gov.uk
Area Team West
Tree Estate, Temple Hill, Wilmington, Joydens Wood, Dartford West
01322 343570 email: rents@dartford.gov.uk
Housing and Council Tax Benefit
Housing and Council Tax Benefit are national means tested welfare benefits. The purpose of the Housing Benefit scheme is to help people who have a low-income pay their rent. The Council Tax Benefit scheme provides help with Council Tax charges.
You may find that you are eligible for these benefits. You can get a benefits estimate visiting the benefits section of our website.
01322 343705 email: benefits@dartford.gov.uk
Jobcentre Plus
Practical support and financial advice about benefits, tax credits, training, work and looking for a job.
61 Lowfield Street
Dartford, Kent
DA1 1JY
01322 484500
Citizens Advice Bureau
Trinity Resource Centre
High Street
Dartford
Kent, DA1 1DE
01322 224686
www.dartfordcab.org.uk or www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Telephone Advice is available between 10:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
Open door (no appointments necessary):
Monday 9:30am – 3:00pm
Tuesday 9:30am – 3:00pm
Wednesday 9:30am – 3:00pm
Thursday 9:30am – 3:00pm
Friday Closed
Home visits are available for clients who are housebound and can be arranged by telephoning 01322 224686.
Outreach Advice Sessions (open to everyone, no appointment needed):
- Swanscombe Health Centre, Southfleet Road, Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm
- Knockhall School, Eynsford Road, Greenhithe, Wednesday 9:30am – 11:45am
- The Living Well, Temple Hill, Tuesday 1:30pm – 3:30pm
- GP Surgery, Devon Road, Sutton at Hone, Fortnightly 1st and 3rd weeks Thursday 1:30pm – 3:30pm
- East Hill health Centre, Pilgrims Way, Fortnightly 2nd and 4th weeks Thursday 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
A specialist advisory service providing counselling on personal budgeting, advice on the wise use of credit and, where appropriate, managing achievable plans to repay debt.
Freephone 0800 138 1111
Monday to Friday between 8:00am – 8:00pm.
Wade House,
Merrion House, Leeds,
LS2 8NG 8
www.cccs.co.uk
National Debtline
This service offers practical advice on dealing with debt including self help packs, sample letters to creditors and personal budget sheets.
Freephone 0808 808 4000 Monday to Friday 9:00am – 9:00pm. Saturday 9:30am – 1:00pm
email: advice@nationaldebtline.co.uk8 www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Payplan
Provides free debt management plans with on-line payment tracking and individual voluntary arrangements.
Freephone 0800 917 7823 8 www.payplan.com
Financial Services Authority
The UK’s financial watchdog Financial Services Authority runs a campaign that allows you to take part in a Financial Health Check and a Debt Test. It also offers a budget calculator and savings tables.
