Citizens Advice Bureau Braced For Surge Of New Year Debt Inquiries

Published on: 18 Jan, 2015
Updated on: 18 Jan, 2015

Guildford Citizens Advice Bureau is expecting a surge in people getting help with debt problems.

Figures from the national charity predict that more than 2,000 people a day will get debt help from Citizens Advice Bureaux across the UK in the first part of 2015.

Christine Parrott from Guildford CAB has 10 top tips on how to deal with debt.

1. Don’t bury your head in the sand. Dealing with debt problems is easier the smaller they are, so take action before they start to spiral out of control.

2. Think very carefully before you take out more credit or a loan to cover your debt

3. Talk to your creditors and let them know you are having problem

4. Don’t pay off the person who is shouting the loudest, but pay the most important ones like mortgage or rent; council tax; and gas and electricity. Otherwise you will be in danger of losing your home, having your gas and electricity cut off; or ending up in court and possibly prison.

5. Don’t ignore court papers

6. Get advice on benefits, tax credits and other help you may be entitled toif you are struggling. A bureau adviser can check if you are missing out on additional income and help you make a claim

7.Look carefully at your spending, see if there is anything you are able to cut down on and draw up a realistic budget.

8. Work out how much you can realistically afford to pay.

9. Start planning ahead for next Christmas now. Putting aside a little money each week could cover the cost of next Christmas and mean you don’t have to take out loans.

10. Don’t pay for advice. Citizens Advice gives free, independent and confidential advice. They will help you work out repayments and negotiate with your creditors, and also help you keep out of debt in the future.

Mrs Parrott said: “During the festive season, dealing with debt is often the last thing on people’s minds. Now that Christmas is over and into the new year, we expect to see many clients who realise they must face up to debts and bring their finances back under control. Problems can get worse if they aren’t tackled early, so if you are worried that you may not be able to cope then seek help as soon as possible.”

If you need advice on how to sort out a debt problem, Citizens Advice can help. Get online help from adviceguide.org.uk or contact your local bureau.

Telephone Guildford CAB on 01483 576699

Guildford CAB opens for face-to-face advice at 10am every day except Sundays, and closes at 4 pm except on Thursdays (open to 6pm) and Saturdays (open to noon). You are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time.