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Dealing with Debt

If you have too many debts that you cannot repay, you have four choices:

• Ignore the problem
• Contact the person or company you owe money to.
• Seek free advice from a money advice worker
• Apply for bankruptcy.

If you ignore a debt problem, your problems could be increased by:

• Gas or electricity disconnection for non payment of bills
• Court action for possession of your house
• Court action that could lead to bankruptcy
• Being threatened with prison for non-payment of a fine or other debt

It is advisable to talk to someone who can help you. Contact the Unify office on 01942 701706 and make an appointment to see a CAB advice worker in confidence. We are able to bring this added value service to anyone who lives or works within the Borough, in partnership with the Wigan and Leigh CAB.

Your Credit Union may be able to help you If you find yourself in financial difficulties, you should let us know as soon as possible. The sooner we discuss your situation, the easier it will be for us to try to find a solution. The more you tell us about your financial circumstances, the more we may be able to help. We will do all we can to help overcome your financial difficulties. This could include discussing a loan or changing the repayments on existing loans.

We can also help you to get in touch with others who may be able to help you, such as a Citizen's Advice Bureau or money advice worker.

Getting Help

If you have debts problems there are some useful contacts that may be able to help you.

Citizen's Advice Bureaux (CAB)
Wigan and Leigh 08701 264459

Alternatively, visit www.adviceguide.org - the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux website has lots of useful information.

Money Advice Centres
Money advice workers are able to offer you free and independent advice on your debt problems. You can contact a Money Advice worker at 01942 526340

The National Debtline Gives free information to people living in England, Wales and Scotland. They also provide a free information pack. The National Debtline is available Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 9.00 pm Saturday between 9.00am and 1.00 pm If you leave a message on their answer machine, they will send out an information pack.

The National Debtline can be contacted on freephone 0808 808 4000

Or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk