Debt advice

Are you worried about debt or experiencing financial difficulties? The Tackling Poverty Team has experienced  debt advisers who can help.

Our debt advice service is free, confidential and available to all North Lanarkshire residents. The advice provided is impartial and non-judgemental with privacy and data protection guidelines followed at all times.

We can help you take the first steps to gain control of your finances by giving you advice on reducing outgoings and maximising your income. This could help you avoid debt, reduce the risk of unexpected costs and perhaps even have some money left to save.

If you are currently experiencing difficulties we can alleviate the stress of dealing with your creditors. We can offer advice and assistance with all debt matters including:

Rent, mortgage and council tax arrears

If you are struggling to pay your rent you could be entitled to help in the form of a Discretionary Housing Payment and we can assist with this application.

We can also check whether you are entitled to any help with your rent through Housing Benefit or Universal Credit or check if you are entitled to Council Tax Reduction.

We can also offer advice if you have been threatened with eviction or have been left homeless.

Gas or electricity arrears

Due to rising energy costs, you may be experiencing increasing utility bills that you are struggling to pay or be struggling to heat your home.

You might be able to get £140 off your electricity bill through the Warm Home Discount Scheme. You must be getting the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit or be on a low income. Contact your supplier directly to check if they are part of the scheme and to apply.

Many energy companies offer grants you can apply for to help pay off gas or electric arrears that you are struggling to repay. You should check directly with your provider about any available grants. If you can’t get a grant from your supplier then you can apply for a grant from The British Gas Energy Trust (you don’t have to be a British Gas customer to apply).

We can assist you with any gas or electric arrears that you are struggling with.

General debts

If you are struggling to meet repayments for general debts including credit cards, personal loans and payday loans we can help. We can offer advice on what actions creditors can and cannot take as well as discussing options available to you.

Budgeting

It may seem that there is no end to your mounting debt but it could sometimes be a cost-cutting or budgeting issue.

Being aware of what money is coming into your household versus what is going out is important to help you keep track of your spending and manage your money and we have developed a helpful budgeting tool to assist you with this. 

We use the information you give us to understand your financial needs and to find out how best to meet them. We may also share your information with organisations that will be able to give advice or information relating to your financial situation. We will not share your personal information with anyone else without your permission.

All of our data processing complies with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR.

For More detail about how we process your personal information please see our privacy notice.

Using a shared or public device (computer or mobile device)

If you are using a public device, such as a library device, or a shared computer, please keep your account safe by ensuring you sign out of your account and shut down your browser when you have finished.

Did you know that there is an NLC local app that you can download and access to find helpful information and support about Debt Advice, including the support available if you are struggling with debts, a helpful FAQs section and a glossary of commonly used debt-related words and phrases?

Select the link below to get your app:

• App on Google Play
• App on Apple Store

If you are looking for advice and support with debt you can contact the Tackling Poverty Team by email at TPteam@northlan.gov.uk or by calling 01698 332551.

A debt adviser will then call you within five working days to gather more information.
 
Your case will then be allocated to a debt adviser who will take you through the process which will include looking at the relevant options most suited to your debt situation.
 
This could include:

• Informal payment plan
• Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)
• Protected Trust Deed
• Bankruptcy
• Full and Final settlement
• Write-offs

Contact us today to begin your Debt Advice Journey and take the first steps to gain control of your finances.

If you are struggling to manage your money you can visit our Managing Your Money page for hints and tips on trying to cut your costs and saving money.