This section contains information on debt and arrears. If you have a specific problem with debt and arrears, you can click on the appropriate link in the left hand column of the page. There you will also be able to access any documents relevant to your problem. Below you will find a short summary of each topic and a guide to the information you will find in this section.

If you owe someone money, they may try to collect the debt using a bailiff or debt collector. If these people contact or visit you, you need to know how to deal with them, and what your rights and obligations are. There is information in this section on what the bailiffs can and cannot do, as well as where to go if you need further help in this matter.

If you run into trouble paying your council tax, the worst thing you could do is ignore the problem and hope it goes away. You should contact your council immediately if you are having problems with your bill, and see what they can do for you. This section contains information on what might happen should you not pay your bill, as well as some useful contacts if you need help.

The best advice for dealing with loan sharks is ‘don’t’. They are unlicensed moneylenders who charge very high interest rates, and sometimes use threats and violence to frighten people who can’t pay back their loan. However, if for some reason you do become involved with loan sharks, this section gives you information on what your rights are and what you should do in this situation. It also lists some contacts that may be of assistance to you.

Overdrafts and bank loans can be easy ways of borrowing money quickly. But they may cost more than you think, especially if you go overdrawn without asking your bank first. Always make sure you understand the interest rates, fees and terms involved when you borrow money. However, if you do run into trouble with an overdraft or a bank loan, you can use this section to get some advice on what to do. It also contains contacts that may be of use to you.

If you're having trouble paying utility bills, such as gas and electricity, it's important to address the problem. Utility companies (except water suppliers) can cut off your supply. This sections details what to do if you are having trouble paying your utility bills, as well as some benefits that may be of assistance to you if you are on a low income.

If you can’t meet your mortgage repayments, or you’re worried you might fall behind, it’s important to contact your lender as soon as possible. Lenders have procedures for tackling payment difficulties and they’ll try to help. You can also get free independent advice from other organisations. Learn in this section what to do if you encounter problems, as well as who to contact if you need any further assistance.

If you’ve received a bill from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) that you can’t pay, it’s important to contact them as soon as possible to try to come to an arrangement. If you don’t, and your bill remains unpaid, HMRC will start proceedings to recover the money. Learn in this section what to do if you are having trouble with your bill, and what steps the HMRC can take against you if you do not pay your bill.

When someone dies, any debts they leave are paid out of their ‘estate’, (the money and property they leave behind). You’re only responsible for their debts if you had a joint loan or agreement, or provided a loan guarantee - you aren't automatically responsible for a husband's, wife's or civil partner's debts. If you are in this unfortunate position, find out what needs to be done as well as where to go if you need help.

If your rent is not paid, the money owed is called ‘rent arrears’. Rent arrears are ‘priority debts’, which means the consequences of not dealing with them are serious – there is a risk of eviction. To avoid eviction, find out in this section what you should do if you have rent arrears, and also who to contact if you require any advice.

You normally take out hire purchase (HP) or ‘conditional sale’ agreements when you buy cars or furniture. An HP agreement is a debt, and you don’t actually own your goods until the debt is paid off. Until then, they belong to the person you bought them from (the creditor). This section details what a hire purchase agreement is, what your rights are, as well as where to go if you need any help.