1. Adcroft Hilton Ltd
City/Town: Carlisle
Postal Code: CA3 8RE
Street Address: 17 Spinners Yard, Fisher Street
Country: United Kingdom
2. Adcroft Hilton Ltd
City/Town: Blackpool
Postal Code: FY1 3PB
Street Address: 269 Church Street
Country: United Kingdom
3. Debt Support Direct
City/Town: Bolton
Postal Code: BL2 6RT
Street Address: 103 Bradley House, Radcliffe Moor Rd
Country: United Kingdom
4. Citizen Debt Advice
City/Town: Altrincham
Postal Code: WA14 5BZ
Street Address: 10 Nelson House Park Rd
Country: United Kingdom
5. Debt Support Plan
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M1 1AN
Street Address: Suite 104, 19, Lever St
Country: United Kingdom
6. Advice on Debt
City/Town: London
Postal Code: EC2N 2DL
Street Address: 4-6 Throgmorton Avenue
Country: United Kingdom
7. Debt Advice Solutions Ltd
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M22 4SN
Street Address: South Court Sharston Rd
Country: United Kingdom
8. Fresh Start UK
City/Town: Hull
Postal Code: HU1 1EN
Street Address: 48-50 Lowgate
Country: United Kingdom
9. Stonebridge
City/Town: Burnley
Postal Code: BB10 1PD
Street Address: Northbridge House Elm St
Country: United Kingdom
10. In Control Debt Solutions
City/Town: Exeter
Postal Code: EX1 1QA
Street Address: 11-15 Dix’s Field
Country: United Kingdom
11. Free Debt Helpline
City/Town: London
Postal Code: E13 9PJ
Street Address: 760 Barking Rd
Country: United Kingdom
12. StepChange Debt Charity
City/Town: Nottingham
Postal Code: NG1 7AW
Street Address: 2nd floor, Rodney House, Castle Gate
Country: United Kingdom
13. StepChange Debt Charity
City/Town: Newcastle Upon Tyne
Postal Code: NE1 6SU
Street Address: Cale Cross House, 156, Pilgrim St
Country: United Kingdom
14. StepChange Debt Charity
City/Town: London
Postal Code: WC1H 9LT
Street Address: Lynton House, 7-12, Tavistock Square
Country: United Kingdom
15. StepChange Debt Charity
City/Town: Leeds
Postal Code: LS2 8NG
Street Address: Merrion Centre
Country: United Kingdom
16. Canterbury Debt Advice Centre
City/Town: Canterbury
Postal Code: CT1 2BG
Street Address: 44 St. Peters St
Country: United Kingdom
17. MoneyNerd
City/Town: Malvern
Postal Code: WR14 3HA
Street Address: The Grange Grange Rd
Country: United Kingdom
18. Debt Focus
City/Town: Wigan
Postal Code: WN6 9DR
Street Address: Skull House Lane
Country: United Kingdom
19. Online Debt Advice
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M32 8JT
Street Address: 500 Kings Rd
Country: United Kingdom
20. ClearPath Debt Solutions
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M2 6AG
Street Address: 22 King Street
Country: United Kingdom
21. King’s Money Advice Centre
City/Town: Nottingham
Postal Code: NG5 7JX
Street Address: The Kings Church Centre, Shirley Drive
Country: United Kingdom
22. The Consumers Choice
City/Town: Sale
Postal Code: M33 7BP
Street Address: 79 Dane Rd
Country: United Kingdom
23. Wotton Debt Advice Centre
City/Town: Wotton-Under-Edge
Postal Code: GL12 7AA
Street Address: Wotton Baptist Church Rope Walk
Country: United Kingdom
24. Business Debt Advice
City/Town: Chorley
Postal Code: PR7 5BW
Street Address: Coppull Enterprise Centre, Mill Lane
Country: United Kingdom
25. Barking Debt Advice Centre
City/Town: Barking
Postal Code: IG11 9SQ
Street Address: St Patricks Church Blake Avenue
Country: United Kingdom
26. Debt Solutions
City/Town: Cardiff
Postal Code: CF24 3AB
Street Address: 12 The Parade, High Street
Country: United Kingdom
27. The Debt Advisor
City/Town: Oxford
Postal Code: OX4 6LS
Street Address: 40 Station Road
Country: United Kingdom
28. Clear Debt Solutions
City/Town: Swansea
Postal Code: SA1 4DW
Street Address: 72-74 Newtown Road
Country: United Kingdom
29. UK Debt Advice
City/Town: Bristol
Postal Code: BS1 1AE
Street Address: 22 Church Street
Country: United Kingdom
30. Debt Relief Support
City/Town: Cambridge
Postal Code: CB1 2AL
Street Address: 21 Market Street
Country: United Kingdom
31. National Debtline
City/Town: Birmingham
Postal Code: B3 3SG
Street Address: 32 Victoria Square
Country: United Kingdom
32. Debt Recovery UK
City/Town: London
Postal Code: NW10 7LT
Street Address: 19 Blackwood Road
Country: United Kingdom
33. Financial Solutions Debt Advice
City/Town: Manchester
Postal Code: M3 4AZ
Street Address: 56 High Street
Country: United Kingdom
34. The Financial Advice Centre
City/Town: Newcastle
Postal Code: NE1 4JS
Street Address: 5-7 Main Street
Country: United Kingdom
35. UK Debt Management
City/Town: Reading
Postal Code: RG1 4RE
Street Address: 6 Queen’s Road
Country: United Kingdom
36. Resolve Debt Solutions
City/Town: Chester
Postal Code: CH1 1AB
Street Address: 47 Eastgate Street
Country: United Kingdom
37. First Debt Help
City/Town: Derby
Postal Code: DE1 3AB
Street Address: 84 Elm Avenue
Country: United Kingdom
38. My Debt Solutions
City/Town: Southampton
Postal Code: SO15 5BU
Street Address: 39 Hall Street
Country: United Kingdom
39. Debt Solutions UK
City/Town: London
Postal Code: SE1 1AA
Street Address: 71 Borough Road
Country: United Kingdom
40. Debt Support Now
City/Town: Sheffield
Postal Code: S1 4ED
Street Address: 28 West Street
Country: United Kingdom
41. Creditfix
City/Town: Nottingham
Postal Code: NG1 4DB
Street Address: 3 The Green
Country: United Kingdom
42. Debt Solutions Plus
City/Town: Leicester
Postal Code: LE1 6DL
Street Address: 101 High Street
Country: United Kingdom
43. Easy Debt Help
City/Town: Portsmouth
Postal Code: PO1 2AN
Street Address: 23 New Road
Country: United Kingdom
44. Clear My Debt
City/Town: Glasgow
Postal Code: G4 9BG
Street Address: 45 Victoria Road
Country: United Kingdom
45. Complete Debt Solutions
City/Town: Cardiff
Postal Code: CF10 4QD
Street Address: 31 Green Park
Country: United Kingdom
46. Relief Debt Solutions
City/Town: Liverpool
Postal Code: L1 3DW
Street Address: 59 Chapel Street
Country: United Kingdom
47. Debt Advice Bureau
City/Town: Hull
Postal Code: HU1 1EA
Street Address: 12 High Street
Country: United Kingdom
48. DebtHelp24
City/Town: Norwich
Postal Code: NR2 3DU
Street Address: 84 London Road
Country: United Kingdom
49. Total Debt Solutions
City/Town: Peterborough
Postal Code: PE1 1NG
Street Address: 14 Queens Square
Country: United Kingdom
50. Financial Freedom Debt Advice
City/Town: St Albans
Postal Code: AL1 4BP
Street Address: 17 Little Park
Country: United Kingdom
Debt counseling is an essential service designed to help individuals struggling with financial difficulties. In England, it provides individuals with advice and support to manage, reduce, and eventually eliminate debt. As the cost of living rises and financial challenges become more prevalent, many people find themselves overwhelmed by their debt obligations. Debt counseling offers a structured path to regain control of finances, reduce stress, and plan for a debt-free future.
This guide will explore what debt counseling is, the services offered in the UK, and the various ways it can help individuals take control of their financial situation.
Understanding Debt Counseling
Debt counseling, also known as debt advice, is the process of seeking professional guidance to address and manage debts effectively. A debt counselor works with individuals to provide tailored advice, helping them understand their financial situation, create repayment plans, and identify strategies for reducing debt. The goal of debt counseling is to ensure that individuals can manage their debts in a way that is both manageable and sustainable.
Debt counseling services are available through a variety of organizations in the UK, including non-profit debt charities, financial advisors, and private debt management firms. These services often include free, impartial advice and support, especially from charities, ensuring that anyone can access help regardless of their financial standing.
Common Debt Problems in the UK
Many people seek debt counseling due to a variety of financial challenges. Some of the most common causes of debt in the UK include:
- Credit card debt: Many individuals find themselves trapped in cycles of high-interest credit card debt. As interest compounds, it becomes increasingly difficult to pay off the balance.
- Personal loans and payday loans: Borrowing from lenders who charge high-interest rates can quickly lead to unmanageable debt.
- Mortgage arrears: Missed mortgage payments can lead to the threat of losing one’s home, making it crucial to seek debt counseling if in arrears.
- Rent arrears: Struggling to pay rent can lead to eviction proceedings, so individuals may seek advice on how to catch up on payments or negotiate a payment plan.
- Utility bill debt: Unpaid gas, electricity, and water bills can also become a significant issue.
- Council tax arrears: Failure to pay local taxes can result in penalties or enforcement action.
The importance of seeking professional advice early cannot be overstated. The sooner debt issues are addressed, the better the chances of resolving the problem before it worsens.
Debt Counseling Services in the UK
In England, there are numerous debt counseling services available to individuals, ranging from free services provided by charities to private agencies that charge for their services. The most reputable agencies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to ensure they adhere to strict standards of conduct and provide transparent, fair advice.
Some well-known debt counseling services in the UK include:
- StepChange Debt Charity StepChange is one of the UK’s largest and most respected debt charities. It offers free, confidential debt advice and support, including debt management plans (DMPs), debt relief orders (DROs), and bankruptcy advice. StepChange works with individuals to create personalized plans and offers ongoing support to ensure individuals remain on track with their repayment plans.
- National Debtline National Debtline is another free, confidential service that offers advice to individuals struggling with debt. They provide a helpline where people can speak to trained advisors about their debt problems. The service also offers a range of free resources, such as budgeting tools and templates to help people take control of their finances.
- Citizens Advice Citizens Advice provides free and impartial advice on a range of financial issues, including debt. Their debt counseling services are available both online and in person, with expert advisors offering support on how to deal with debt, negotiate with creditors, and manage finances.
- The Money Advice Service The Money Advice Service, part of the UK government, provides free, independent, and impartial advice on money matters, including debt. They offer guidance on budgeting, managing debt, and understanding different debt solutions.
- PayPlan PayPlan is another not-for-profit debt advice service that helps individuals with free, confidential advice on managing debts. PayPlan offers services such as debt management plans (DMPs), individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs), and bankruptcy assistance.
- Debt Support Trust Debt Support Trust is a free debt counseling service that provides information and advice on managing debt. The service helps individuals develop strategies for debt repayment, including negotiation with creditors and restructuring payments.
Types of Debt Solutions Offered by Debt Counseling
Debt counselors offer a range of solutions depending on the individual’s situation. Common debt solutions in the UK include:
- Debt Management Plans (DMPs) A debt management plan is a repayment arrangement where individuals work with their creditors to pay off their debts in an affordable way. The individual makes a single monthly payment to the debt management company, which then distributes the funds to the creditors. DMPs are flexible and can be adjusted if circumstances change, but they may not stop interest from accumulating, depending on the agreement with the creditor.
- Debt Relief Orders (DROs) A Debt Relief Order is a government-backed debt solution for individuals with low income and few assets. It provides a way to have debts written off after 12 months, provided certain conditions are met. DROs are suitable for people with debts under £20,000, minimal assets, and little or no income.
- Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) An Individual Voluntary Arrangement is a formal, legally binding agreement between an individual and their creditors to repay debts over a set period, typically five years. It can offer a way to reduce monthly payments and write off some of the debt at the end of the agreement. IVAs are typically used for people with debts of more than £6,000.
- Bankruptcy Bankruptcy is a legal process where an individual’s assets are used to pay off as much of their debt as possible. Any remaining unsecured debts are then typically written off. Bankruptcy is a last resort for those who are unable to repay their debts and have significant liabilities.
- Consolidation Loans In some cases, debt counselors may recommend taking out a consolidation loan. This allows individuals to combine several debts into a single loan with one monthly payment, ideally at a lower interest rate. This can simplify debt management but is not always suitable for those with poor credit histories.
- Debt Consolidation and Refinancing Refinancing existing loans or consolidating multiple debts into one manageable loan is another option that debt counselors may suggest. This option may come with more favorable terms but should be considered carefully to avoid accumulating further debt.
Benefits of Debt Counseling
- Impartial Advice Debt counseling services provide unbiased, impartial advice, ensuring that individuals receive honest information about their options without any pressure to take on additional financial products or services.
- Personalized Solutions A debt counselor will assess the individual’s financial situation and suggest the best possible solutions. Personalized advice helps to ensure that the recommended debt management plan aligns with the individual’s ability to repay and reduces the likelihood of future financial difficulties.
- Protection from Creditors Many debt counseling services can negotiate directly with creditors on behalf of their clients to reach manageable repayment agreements. Some services can also protect individuals from creditor harassment and, in the case of IVAs and bankruptcy, may stop further legal action.
- Mental and Emotional Support The process of dealing with debt can be stressful and emotionally draining. Debt counseling provides emotional support, helping individuals cope with the anxiety that often accompanies financial problems.
- Improved Financial Health Over time, through effective debt management and counseling, individuals can work toward achieving financial stability, improving their credit scores, and eventually becoming debt-free.
Conclusion
Debt counseling in England is an invaluable service for those struggling to manage or eliminate debt. With a range of solutions available—ranging from debt management plans and debt relief orders to bankruptcy—debt counselors offer professional advice and support to help individuals regain control of their financial lives. By seeking early intervention and working with trusted counselors, individuals can take positive steps toward a debt-free future and rebuild their financial well-being. Whether through free services from charities or professional debt management firms, debt counseling can provide the essential guidance needed to navigate financial difficulties with confidence and clarity.