Debt is not just about overspending on credit cards.  Debt can come about for all kinds of reasons - job loss, redundancy, ill health, relationship breakdown, and benefits problems.

Uncontrolled debt can result in:

• The loss of your home or tenancy through unpaid mortgage or rent arrears.
• Bailiffs calling at your home to remove goods.
• Arrest and imprisonment for wilful non-payment of council tax or magistrates fines.
• Attachment of earnings or direct deductions from benefits to pay off priority debts.
• Basic services such as gas, electricity and phone being cut off.

In addition, non-priority creditors (credit cards, store cards, bank loans) are likely to phone continually demanding payments that cannot be afforded.  

As anyone who is struggling with debt knows, the stress of not having enough money to pay essential bills doesn’t just stop there - the worry of it can damage health and relationships. 

Citizens Advice Shropshire is experienced in helping people in these situations.  Last year our debt case workers/money advisors dealt with over £11 million of debt.  The advice is free, confidential and independent.

To help clients we may:-

• Look at income.
• See if we can increase it by advising on benefits/tax credits.
• Look at expenditure and ways of reducing it.
• Explain the options available to deal with debts.
• Deal with priority debts by negotiating with creditors.
• Liase, if clients want us to, with other agencies and organisations who may be able to help eg:  Homelessness Officers, Council Tax Office, Housing Benefit Office, Housing Associations, mortgage lenders, your GP.
• Help complete legal documents
• Advise on other aspects of the problem that may be related to the debt  ie: relationship breakdown, employment.
• Represent in Court where there is possession action.
• Advise on how to deal with creditor harassment.

If you would like us to help you we would need information about:-

• Current income.
• Typical expenditure on basic living expenses.
• All debts

Click here to find out how to contact us if you are fed up with the worry of debt and are ready to take action.