Debt counselling
Consumer Direct does not provide debt counselling, but can give advice when a creditor or debt collector is acting unlawfully. A number of organisations may be able to help you sort out your debt.
For debt advice and information if you live in England or Wales:
Citizens Advice
For free advice on debt and a range of other matters, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau. Look them up in your phone book or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
For web-based information and advice go to www.adviceguide.org.uk
National Debtline
A free telephone helpline for people with debt problems. Call 0808 808 4000. Or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk to email for advice, use interactive budgeting tools and download information packs, fact sheets and sample letters.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
For free money and budgeting advice, including free debt management plans, call 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk
adviceUK
A network of independent advice centres. To find your nearest member agency, visit www.adviceuk.org.uk or call 0207 407 4070.
Payplan
For free advice on debt and budgeting including free debt management plans and IVAs without up-front fees call 0800 917 7823 or visit www.payplan.com
Community Legal Advice
For free legal advice phone 0845 345 4 345 if you qualify for legal aid or visit www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk
For debt advice and information if you live in Scotland:
Consumers in Scotland may also be able to get debt advice from their local authority.
Citizens Advice Scotland
For free advice on debt and a range of other matters, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau. Look them up in your phone book or visit www.cas.org.uk For web-based information and advice go to www.adviceguide.org.uk
National Debtline
A free telephone helpline for people with debt problems. Call 0808 808 4000. Or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk to email for advice, use interactive budgeting tools and download information packs, fact sheets and sample letters.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
For free money and budgeting advice, including free debt management plans, phone 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk
Money Advice Scotland
Visit www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk for details of free local money advice agencies
Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)
For details of the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) and general information and advice about debt go to www.moneyscotland.gov.uk
Payplan
For free advice on debt and budgeting including free debt management plans and IVAs without up-front fees call 0800 917 7823 or visit www.payplan.com
Scottish Legal Aid Board
For advice about eligibility for legal aid or where to find a legal aid solicitor, call 0845 122 8686 or visit www.slab.org.uk
For debt advice and information if you live in Northern Island:
Citizens Advice
For free advice on debt and a range of other matters, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau. Look them up in your phone book or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk For web-based information and advice go to www.adviceguide.org.uk
Consumer Credit Counselling Service
For free money and budgeting advice, including free debt management plans, phone 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk
ConsumerLine
For general consumer advice phone 0845 600 62 62 or visit www.consumerline.org
Advice NI
A network of independent advice centres. To find out where to go for advice, ring 028 9064 5919 or go to www.adviceni.net
Payplan
For free advice on debt and budgeting including free debt management plans and IVAs without up-front fees call 0800 917 7823 or visit www.payplan.com
Northern Ireland Legal Services Commission
For free legal advice, if you are eligible for legal aid. Call 028 9040 8888 or go to www.nilsc.org.uk
Other relevant organisations:
MoneyBasics
A money advice site, including debt and savings advice and budget and mortgage calculators. Visit www.moneybasics.co.uk
Credit Action
A money education charity that helps people manage their money better. For online resources visit www.creditaction.org.uk
Christians Against Poverty (England, Wales, and Scotland only)
For free debt advice and personal counselling phone 01274 760720 or visit www.capuk.org
Business Debtline (England, Wales, and Scotland only)
For free debt advice for the self-employed and small businesses, call 0800 197 6026 or visit www.bdl.org.uk
Law Centres Federation (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland only)
For information on law centres and how to find your local law centre, visit www.lawcentres.org.uk
ABCUL (England, Wales, and Scotland only)
For information on credit unions, call 0161 832 3694 or visit www.abcul.coop
Shelter
For free advice on debt and a range of other issues, go to www.shelter.org.uk and click on 'Get advice from a local Shelter Advice Centre' or call 0845 458 4590.
Debt Managers Standards Association (DEMSA)
The trade association for the fee-charging debt management industry. Consumers using DEMSA members have the assurance of an OFT Approved Code of practice.
For more information phone 0113 277 7610 or visit www.demsa.co.uk
Government departments and agencies:
Financial Services Authority (FSA)
For general information about money matters, go to the FSA's Moneymadeclear website www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
For a free independent service that helps to resolve disputes between lenders (and other businesses carrying out consumer credit activities) and their customers, phone 0845 080 1800 or visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
Information Commissioner's Office
For information on how to check your credit records go to www.ico.gov.uk or call 08456 30 60 60
H M Court Services
For information about court processes and procedures visit www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk
Insolvency Service
For information on insolvency, bankruptcy and redundancy visit www.insolvency.gov.uk or phone the enquiry lines: Insolvency on 0845 602 9848 or Redundancy on 0845 145 0004
Directgov
For online information on a wide range of public services, go to www.directgov.gov.uk
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland
For general information about your consumer rights and how to make a complaint contact 0845 601 6022 or visit the website www.consumercouncil.org.uk
