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Debt

In today’s world it’s rare not to live in some debt. Normally this isn’t a problem, but if you find yourself struggling to pay the money you owe, the temptation is there to ignore the mounting bills and hope they’ll go away.

It is possible to sort out your finances - it may take some time - but with right help and advice it can be done.


If you’d like to speak to someone right away call:

National Debt Line Scotland  0808 808 4000

free, Mon–Fri  9am –9pm, Sat 9.30am–1pm, 24hr voicemail


Advice for managing your debt

East Renfrewshire Council’s Money Advice Team offers a few simple rules to follow if you find your circumstances are difficult to manage:

  • Accept you’re in debt – don’t bury your head in the sand!
  • Prepare a personal budget – you will need this when negotiating with your creditors.
  • Contact your creditors – and explain your personal circumstances. The sooner the better!
  • Identify your priority debts – your main priority is to keep a roof over your head.
  • Calculate what you can afford to offer as repayment to your creditors.
  • Keep a record of all your documentation and details of all telephone calls to and from creditors.
  • If you receive court papers – don’t ignore them, complete and return them to court quickly.
  • Do not be tempted to borrow to pay off your existing debts, it will only add to your problems.
  • And lastly: don’t panic – seek advice.

Contact a money adviser to arrange an appointment.


Money Advice Team

The Money Advice Team offer free confidential, professional and practical advice on money matters. They can negotiate with creditors on your behalf and help fill in court forms.

Clients can be seen at the main office in Barrhead, but also at East Renfrewshire Council Headquarters in Giffnock, at the Social Work department in Clarkston, or any other Council office or venue suitable to both client and adviser. Out of hours and home visits can be arranged by appointment.

Email:
Tel: 0141 577 8420
Address: East Renfrewshire Council, Finance Department, 211 Main Street, Barrhead
Opening hours: Mon–Thurs 9.00 am–5.00 pm, Fri 9.00am–4.00 pm.


Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also help

Citizens’ Advice Bureau

CAB can advise on a wide variety of matters including housing, pensions and your rights.

Tel: 0141 881 2032  Fax: 0141 881 3660
Address: 216 Main Street, Barrhead, G78 1SN
Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri 9.30–3.30, Wed 9.30–3.30 & 5.00–7.00 (appointment only)

A CAB drop-in also takes place at Mearns Community Library, MacKinley Place on Thursdays from 12–3pm.


Online advice

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

The CCCS is a charitable organisation devoted debt management. By answering a series of online questions, the CCCS can help you come up with your own personal debt remedy.

Directgov

The national government site has advice on how to deal with debts and arrears, plan your way out debt, court claims and bankruptcy.

Money Scotland

This site gives practical advice on how to deal with debt and answers your common questions. You’ll also find links to The Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), introduced by the Scottish Executive, which helps you pay off your debts without you having to worry about being pressurised by creditors.

East Renfrewshire Council’s Money Advice Team offers a free, confidential and independent debt counselling service to East Renfrewshire residents.