Money Matters

ARE you struggling with debt?

If the answer is yes then remember this golden rule - Don’t be scared to ask for help.

There are many people and organisations who can offer help and the best place to start is by talking to your housing officer at East Boro.

There are two main types of debt – priority and non-priority.

Priority debts are the most important and include things like rent, Council Tax, secured loans, utilities (gas, electric, water) and County Court Judgments (CCJs).

If you don’t pay these debts you could you could end up losing your home, have the gas, electric or water cut off, have bailiffs remove your belongings or face a jail sentence.

Meanwhile non-priority debts include credit cards, store cards, doorstep lenders, bank overdraft and mobile phone bills.

While these things are important they are not a priority debt. You cannot face a jail sentence or lose your home for not paying a non-priority debt. Priority debts must come first when making payments.

If you are having financial troubles there are a few money saving tips that are worth considering.

These include changing your utilities provider, cut down on travel if you can, shop around for better prices and ensure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to.

At East Boro we are here to help, support and advise you on all financial matters including rent arrears.

However, for even more information on debt you can contact:

The National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or www.nationaldebtline.co.uk

Citizens Advice Bureau visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk to find your local office

The Money Advice Service 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk