Housing debt advice

Learning how to manage your money and getting advice on your debts can help everyone at any time. It is really important to get help if you are struggling to pay for your home.

Debt advice is information which can help you learn how to manage your money and debts. It will help you: 

• work out your income and outgoings and what you owe
• plan your weekly and monthly budget and understand what you can afford
• identify the most important debts to prioritise
• decide on a plan to deal with your debts
• negotiate with the people you owe money to
• understand court procedures and how to reply to court documents
• feel less anxious and more in control of your life.

Debt advice can help with every kind of debt and expense. The following list gives examples of some priority debts and what can happen if they are not dealt with:

• mortgage: repossession of your home, eviction
• second mortgage/secured loan: repossession of your home, eviction
• rent: eviction 
• council tax: seizure of goods by bailiffs, deductions from wages/benefits
• utility costs: supply disconnected
• court fines: seizure of goods by bailiffs, deductions from wages/benefits, potentially imprisonment
• maintenance/child support: Seizure of goods by bailiffs, deductions from wages/benefits, potentially imprisonment
• income tax/VAT/National Insurance: seizure of goods by bailiffs, bankruptcy
• hire purchase (not normal credit): repossession of hire purchase goods 
• unsecured credit card debts: County Court judgement, impaired credit rating.

Visit Citizens Advice Walthamstow. Sometimes problems happen when we least expect them. Whether it is an unexpected event or an unfair policy, the stress and anxiety of knowing what to do next can be overwhelming. 

They can help residents and communities overcome issues they encounter, by finding a way forward together. We believe that everyone should be entitled to free, quality advice and help to navigate through tough times, and for people to feel empowered to resolve issues they are facing.  

We offer other fixed outreach locations alongside our main hub at Hoe Street in Walthamstow. Find out more about these locations on the Citizens Advice website. 

Call the Adviceline: 08000 234 974 from Monday to Friday from 9am until 5pm. 
 
This number is free to dial. Please be aware they are experiencing extremely high demand. If you are unable to get through to an adviser, please try again.  Further information about the advice sessions and telephone advice times can be found on the Citizens Advice website. 

If you are struggling to manage your money, particularly your living costs, seek help as soon as possible and don’t ignore the problem. 

Seeking debt advice as quickly as possible and talking to the people you owe money to will help you: 

• identity the problem
• work out a plan
• get back in control
• avoid losing your home. 

A Government Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) is for people who are having problems with their debts, giving them a buffer against any action being taken by creditors. 

Find out more about the Breathing space scheme on our webpage.

The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can help you when you receive notice seeking possession of your home from your landlord or mortgage lender. This is a free service available to people facing the loss of their home. The service may be able to provide legal advice on matters such as: 

• Illegal eviction 
• disrepair and other problems with housing conditions
• rent arrears
• mortgage arrears
• welfare benefits payments
• debt. 

The Housing Loss Prevention Advice Service can attend a court hearing with you and provide free legal advice and representation at the court. You can find your nearest Housing Loss Prevention Advice