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North Ayrshire Council

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Debt Counselling

Debt Advice Service in North Ayrshire - expert advice for people with complex debt problems

 

There are lots of reasons why people find it hard to meet their debts:

  •  Illness
  •  Unemployment
  •  Relationship breakdown
  •  Reduced Income
  •  Bereavement
  •  Or you may have borrowed too much

The Debt Advice Team can give expert advice, assistance and where appropriate representation on any debt issue. An adviser can help people decide if they are able to make any payments to creditors; how much they can pay; which creditor should be paid first. They will take account of all the circumstances – priority commitments, regular income and expenditure, level of indebtedness, health and personal circumstances to help people decide on the best option for them.

 

Debt Advice staff assist with emergencies such as:

  • Gas or electricity being disconnected
  • Wages or bank account arrestment
  • Attachment and Exceptional attachment (this replaced Poindings & Warrant Sales from 31/12/02).
  • Court Action being taken against you.

Debt Advice staff can also provide advice, assistance and representation with:

  • Considering liability of debt
  • Advice and where appropriate representation regarding court proceedings
  • Negotiating repayments with creditors
  • Advising on Bankruptcy and Trust Deeds

Debt Arrangement Scheme

Our Debt Advice staff are accreited by the Accountant in Bankruptcy to provide and support people who wish to apply for the Debt Arrangement Scheme.

Income Maximisation

Debt Advice staff will also look at how your income can be maximised e.g.

  • Income Support/Other State benefits
  • Tax Credits
  • Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit

Debt Advice Team - Where to find us

Debtt Advice staff are based in Bridgegate House, Irvine and can arrange appointments in any Social Services Office. For Free, Impartial, Independent and Confidential Debt Advice please see contact us.

Contact Details

Welfare Rights and Debt Advice Help Line

Bridgegate House

Irvine


Telephone: 01294-317786

What kind of debt can you advise me on?
We can provide you with help and advice on all types of debt including rent and mortgage arrears, council tax, personal loans, hire purchase agreements, credit cards, store cards and catalogues.

What can you do to help me manage my debts?
We can advise you on how to manage your debt and what your options are. We can contact the people you owe money to and negotiate reduced repayments that you can afford. We can organise a debt repayment plan of agreed payments. We can represent you in court and get you time to pay. We can give you advice on attachments and earnings arrestment. And we do all this for FREE.

Is it only council tenants that can get help from the debt advisory service?
No, the debt advisory service is a free service for anyone who needs it.

Can money advisors represent me at court?
Depending on the type of court action involved, our money advisers can represent you at court.

Can I be visited in my own home by someone from the money advice service?
Yes, the money advisors can arrange to see you in your own home.