The first step to taking control of your debts would be to make a budget, there are several budgeting tools available online:

National Debt line Budgeting Tool

Money Helper Budgeting Tool

There are several free and confidential debt advice services that you can contact:

• Free Debt Advice can also be accessed online from National Debtline, StepChange or Christians Against Poverty  .
• If you would like face-to-face advice, Citizens Advice Tendring
• Debt Free Advice also have a YouTube channel with webinars on Debt related issues.

Debt advice services can help you to manage your finances through budgeting advice and, if you are eligible, by helping you to access a debt solution. Debt solutions refer to the range of options that exist to help people manage their debts. They include things like Bankruptcy, Debt Management Plans or Individual Voluntary Arrangements. Find out detailed information on debt solutions and who is eligible to apply.

To get the most out of the money you have, check if you can claim benefits

 If you need advice on how to maximise your income or where to go for debt advice:

Tendring’s Fuel Poverty Officer on 01255686742 or email fuelpoverty@tendringdc.gov.uk
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A breathing space from debt

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If you’re struggling to keep up with debt repayments, you may be able to access a 60-day period of protection during which your creditors can’t add interest or fees to your debts and can’t take enforcement action, known as a "Breathing Space". The Breathing Space is a Government scheme which can ease some of the pressures of dealing with debts and give you time to access debt advice or improve your financial situation by accessing benefits or financial support.

It’s important to note that a Breathing Space is not a payment holiday and you will need to continue making repayments on your debts in this time. Breathing Space doesn't directly affect your credit score, but if you miss payments these will be recorded on your credit file as normal.

To access Breathing Space you will need to go through a debt advice service, such as  StepChange or National Debtline who can check whether you are eligible and apply to the scheme on your behalf.

The National Debtline has further information on BreathingSpace and details on eligibility.

To obtain a personalised solution for your debt issue, please contact one of the following organisations that offer free debt advice and they will recommend a suitable plan to handle your debt:

National Debtline

StepChange

Christians Against Poverty

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