Debt Advice

Below is a list of some steps you can take yourself to get started on the process of dealing with your debts. However, remember that you do not have to tackle it on your own, we can signpost you to an external agency.  Call us on 01224 548000 and ask to speak to a Tenancy Support Officer or complete the following Support Referral Form

You can also contact your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau: https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/scotland/  or Stepchange: https://www.stepchange.org/ or Money Advice https://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/

When in debt the most important thing is to get organised. So:

• Don’t take out any further credit.
• Make a list of:
  • Who you owe money to.
  • How much is owed to each one.
  • What type of debt it is (see below).
  • The type of debts.

Priority debts

These are the ones where serious action can be taken against you if you don’t pay what is owed, or come to a repayment arrangement. These include:

• Rent arrears
• council tax
• gas/electricity
• court fines
• child maintenance.

Non-Priority debts

These are debts such as credit cards, mobile phone bills, unsecured loans, water bills, benefit overpayments etc.

The action these creditors can take is less serious than with priority debts.

Priority debts should always be taken care of first. 

Debts explained

• Do a budget to work out how much money you have available to repay your debts. 
• Get in touch with your most important creditors first and negotiate monthly repayments.
• Get help. If you feel you can’t cope or handle your debts yourself, contact us or an independent advice agency.