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Money worries are just not funny
If you are in debt and finding it difficult to manage, you won’t be alone. Many people are in debt for a number of reasons. The important thing to remember is that you must not ignore these debts as they won’t go away. The longer you leave them, the worse they will get as interest is likely to continue to accrue on the outstanding debt.  Here is some advice on what you can do if you are worried about debt.

  • if you have problems with paying Council Tax call 01784 446490 or e-mail: ctax@spelthorne.gov.uk
  • don’t panic, but don’t ignore the problem, it won’t go away
  • get in touch with the people you owe money to and explain the situation – they are more likely to be helpful if you are in touch
  • keep a record of conversations with creditors and the names and phone numbers of people you speak to
  • be realistic about how much you can repay – better to pay a small sum and keep to it than a larger sum and not be able to
  • don’t over or under estimate your living expenses
  • calculate how much money you have coming in (your income)
  • check that you are receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled
  • avoid borrowing more money, particularly from loan sharks. It may seem attractive but will just mean building up more debt
  • if you need independent advice speak to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau - they can contact the organisations you owe money to. They can also check that you are receiving all the benefits to which you are entitled
  • don’t ignore court papers – courts will take into consideration any information given to them
  • split your debts into two groups – priority and non- priority and pay the priority debts first
Dealing with debt leaflet (Pdf 350kb)

Priority debts

These are debts which are particularly important to pay either because they affect your home or because you may be taken to court for non-payment. These should be paid first:-

  • mortgage
  • rent
These are a priority – you could lose your home if you don’t keep up with the payments. If you lose your home because you have paid for other things, the Council may not have a duty to help re-house you.

  • Council Tax
  • TV licence
  • gas and electricity
  • court fines
  • maintenance payments
  • hire purchase agreements for essential items
  • Income Tax, National Insurance or VAT
Non-priority debts

These should only be paid once your priority debts have been paid but you should still advise the lender/company concerned that you are having problems. Non-priority debts include:-

  • overdrafts, loans, hire purchase agreements
  • credit cards
  • catalogue debts
  • student loans
  • parking penalties
  • money borrowed from family and friends
Work out your budget – how much is coming into the house and how much is going out – work out how much you can afford to pay back and plan any future spending.

If you just don’t have enough to manage, see if you can increase your income by working extra hours or renting out a room. You could also sell any unwanted possessions.

At some point you may be advised to:

  • arrange a debt management plan with a debt management company
  • arrange an administration order or enter into an individual voluntary arrangement with your creditors
Any of these may be a good idea for you but it would be as well to get independent advice first.

Info: The Citizens Advice Bureau can give you more detailed advice to help you manage your debt. They can also advise on related issues such as employment and benefits. For an appointment call 01932-765041.

*If you do make an appointment, it is helpful to take along as much information as you can about your debts - in particular the name and address of the company you owe money to, the account or reference number, the amount you owe and a copy of the original loan agreement you signed.
Citizens Advice Bureau
The CAB run a help desk at Staines County Court on a Thursday morning for people facing possession claims from housing association tenancies, private tenancies and mortgages.

Please speak to Spelthorne Council if you have problems paying your Council Tax or need housing advice – visit the offices between 9am and 4pm call 01784 446374 for Housing Benefit and Council Tax help or Housing Options on 01784 446380.

For information from the Housing Options department in Braille, large print or another language please contact on the above number.

Other information
Surrey County Council - Supporting Surrey (external website)
Directgov (debt advice) (external website)
Government Mortgage Rescue Scheme (external website)
BBC website - How to cope during the recession (external website)
Mortgages and repossession
FamilyLine Surrey (external website)
Individual Voluntary Arrangements (external website)

Consumer Credit counselling service (external website) - 0800 1381111
Debt Free direct (external website) - 0800 831433
Debt Options (external website) - 0800 234 3605
Jobcentre Plus (external website) - 0800 0556688
National Debtline (external website) - 0808 8084000
Pension Credit Helpline (external website) - 0800 991234
Tax Credit hotline (external website) - 0845 3003900
Surrey Law Centre (external website), Jacobs Yard, Woodlands Road, Slyfield Green, Guildford GU1 1RL 01483 215000

We have made every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of publication but Spelthorne Council cannot be held legally responsible for any action you might choose to take, or not take, as a result of it.