Independent Advice
Despite our best efforts there are times when debt can become a concern for all sorts of reasons, but there are many ways to get you back in control:
-
Do not panic or ignore the problem.
-
Seek Independent advice before borrowing to pay off debts.
-
Check you are claiming all the benefits and tax credits you are entitled to.
-
Tackle priority debts first (rent, council tax)
-
Contact all your creditors and let them know you are struggling to pay.
Newark and Sherwood Homes supports the use of free money advice sector, which can offer you a structured approach for you to manage your debts, advisors are trained to identify your problems, assess the overall financial situation and they can negotiate with creditors on your behalf.
If you are having difficulties regarding your rent account and other debts, you may wish to contact any of the following:-
Advice UK - Call 020 7407 4070
A large network of advice-providing organizations.
Visit http://www.adviceguide.org.uk
Citizens Advice Bureau – Call Newark (01636 704308) Mansfield (01623 861808)
http://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) - Call 0800 138 1111 -8am to 8pm Monday to Friday
A charity providing free, independent and impartial advice on a wide range of services including, debt counselling (telephone and internet based) debt management plans to help repay your debts and expert advice on welfare rights.
Visit http://www.cccs.co.uk/services/debtadvice.aspx for debt advice or https://debtremedy.cccs.co.uk/start.aspx for a full interactive on-line debt counselling session.
Directgov
A government site with guidance on managing your money, debt, pensions, benefits and other issues
Visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/index.htm?cids=MSN_PPC&cre=Store_Fronthttp
Revenues & Customs
Everything you need to know about tax and tax credits
Visit http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
National Debtline – Call 0808 808 4000
Visit http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/an information pack on dealing with debt.
Payplan - Call 0800 085 4298
Provides a free debt management service
Visit http://www.uk-debtline.co.uk/
Shelter – Call 0845 2414515.
Homelessness charity that runs a housing helpline, has a network of housing aid
centres, and works with local citizens advice bureau.
Visit http://www.shelter.org.uk/
Money Advice Service
