Debt

We are here to help:

Tel: 01353 665555
Email: housingservices@eastcambs.gov.uk
Emergency out of hours telephone 0771 097 8900

If you are worried about debt, do not panic:

  • do not ignore the problem, debts are not just a finance issue as they affect all elements of your life
  • the earlier you deal with them, the easier they are to deal with
  • do not borrow money to pay off your debts 

List people you owe money to

Make a list of all the people you owe money to.

Place each of these into a category of either being a priority debt or a non-priority debt.

Priority debts include things such as mortgage or rent arrears, Council Tax arrears or court fines. These are the most urgent debts because if you do not pay them, it could eventually lead to the loss of your goods, your home or being imprisoned.

Non-priority debts include things such as overdrafts, loans, hire purchase, or credit cards. 

Personal budget plan

Draw up your personal budget so that you know how much money is coming in and how much is going out. This will help you work out how much you might be able to offer creditors to clear your debts. 

Seek advice

Speak to us

We offer advice at our weekly drop-in clinics at the council offices Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm. You can call us for advice on 01353 665555 or to book an appointment.

We can provide information and advice on many matters including debt, budgeting, housing problems, consumer rights, employment disputes and help with claiming benefits.  

We also hold regular drop-in community clinics.

There are a number of organisations offering free help and advice with debt and money issues.

Contact people you owe money to

Contact the people you owe money to, explain your situation and make them an offer that is realistic and manageable. Do not give up trying to reach an agreement if they are difficult and make sure that you keep copies of all letters you receive or send.

See if you are entitled to any benefits or grants

View our benefits pages to find out if you are entitled to any benefits or grants.

Speak to a financial adviser if taking out loans

Always get advice from an Independent Financial Adviser before signing a new loan agreement and make sure that the Financial Adviser is regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

Beware loan sharks and scams

Please beware loan sharks who lend money outside the legitimate agreed standards for money collection. You can report a loan shark (in confidence) on the government’s website.

Loan fee fraud occurs when people pay an upfront fee for a loan they never receive. It is an increasingly common scam which is reported to the Financial Conduct Authority. The good news is that you can protect yourself with this quick three-step check:  

  • if you are asked to pay an upfront fee, it could be a scam
  • if you are asked to pay quickly, it could be a scam
  • if you are asked to pay in an unusual way, such as vouchers or money transfer, it could be a scam

Always check that the provider is authorised by the FCA before you borrow. Visit the FCA's Financial Services Register.