Nucleus Legal Advice – Debt Team

Debt advice and counselling for local people – from basic debts  to debt relief orders/ bankruptcies.
All staff are  members of Institute of Money advisors and regulated by FCA
Monday to Friday 9 – 5pm by appointment only
Representation level

Monday to Friday 9 – 5pm by appointment only

Coronavirus – Know Your Rights Bailiffs

  • At the present time bailiff enforcement should stop to prevent spread of the virus. There has been an announcement that evictions of domestic dwellings are suspended, but this advice should apply to all other forms of civil enforcement. Creditors should also review enforcement and suspend their instructions to bailiffs and tell them to stop collection activity.

  • You should:

  1. Keep the door closed in the unlikely event the bailiff calls in person;
  2. Complain to the Creditor if threatened or receiving a visit;
  3. If  receiving a letter from the bailiffs you should contact the Creditor and complain that enforcement activity is threatened and point out the objection on health grounds.

  • This is particularly so if  you fall into one of the following categories below:

  • the elderly;
  • people with a disability;
  • the seriously ill;
  • the recently bereaved;
  • single parent families;
  • pregnant women;
  • unemployed people; and,
  • those who have obvious difficulty in understanding, speaking or reading English.

  • Bailiffs should withdraw and contact the creditor.The National Guidance for enforcement agents provides for creditors to take back the debt in one of these cases; bailiffs are also supposed to use discretion: “Should a debtor be identified as vulnerable, creditors should be prepared to take control of the case, at any time, if necessary, and call off the bailiffs. There is a test of ‘appropriateness”

  • The time and situation we are in nationally is clear an occasion where ‘appropriateness’  applies – it is wholly inappropriate to use enforcement against goods at this time. Indeed, not merely inappropriate but wholly unreasonable but could even be potentially unlawful not to suspend action. Creditors remain jointly and severally liable for the actions of their enforcement agents with regard to wrongful instructions and failure to use discretion.

In summary, you should:

  •  Consider making formal complaints.

  • Contact the creditor and inform them of what is being done on their behalf  (it is possible some may not know).

  • The creditor should be challenged as to why you are using bailiffs at this time and warned that door-to-door collection methods pose a threat to public health.

  • Keep a note and list those creditors who proves difficult and do not commit to stopping enforcement activity at this time.

  • This is also an opportunity to deal with cases by way of full and final settlement, offering a lesser sum based on the what  you can afford at this point. This should be offered to the creditor, not the bailiff. These standards put particular emphasis on there being proper safeguards and protection for the vulnerable groups which overlap with at-risk groups for infection.

  • The role of creditors and authorities using bailiffs. Should a debtor be identified as vulnerable, creditors should be prepared to take control of the case, at any time, if necessary  and call off the bailiffs.

  • Paragraph of the National Standards state 14 states: “Creditors must consider the appropriateness of referring debtors in potentially vulnerable situations to enforcement agents and, if you choose to proceed, must alert the enforcement agent to this situation.”

 

Dynamic Civil Recovery - - Toronto, Barrie, Ontario

What are the powers of bailiffs and debt collectors?
  • Bailiffs are employed by creditors to collect debts owed to them and may seize your goods as a form of payment. Creditors may at some stage use bailiffs to attempt to seize property to be sold to repay debts owed. Generally they cannot do this without permission from the Court. The Magistrates court will grant permission for the use of bailiffs for debts such as Council Tax or Fines whereas the County or Civil Court will issue warrants in relation to unsecured, consumer debts.
  • There are several types of Bailiffs that may be instructed depending on the type of debt and who it is owed to. In most cases a bailiff would either be a Certificated Court Officer or be employed by a Private Firm that have been asked to collect the debt.
  • Bailiffs cannot enter your property by force unless they have been let in on a previous visit to collect the same debt. You should, therefore, consider refusing to let the bailiff into your home. This will ensure that they cannot force entry if they visit again.
  • If you let a bailiff into your home, they will usually ask you to sign a walking possession agreement and leave goods on your premises as long as you make payments as they demand.
  • Bailiffs cannot seize your basic household goods, clothing, bedding and tools of the trade. They are not allowed to seize goods belonging to a person other than the debtor but can normally seize jointly owned goods. The proceeds of any sale of jointly owned goods would have to be divided between the owners.
  • Debt collectors are not bailiffs and do not have the same range of powers. They must not harass people who owe money, but they are allowed to pursue debts by letter, phone, and in extreme cases legal action. They are also allowed to petition for bankruptcy.

404 Bailiff Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images

My creditors keep calling me. What can I do?
  • People you owe money to are called creditors. Both creditors and collection agents use letters and telephone calls to recover debts as an alternative to court action. Most creditors have limited powers to recover a debt unless court action has been taken against you and you have not paid as ordered by the court. Some creditors may mention that they can make you bankrupt for debts of £750 or over. It is very rare for a creditor to take this action.
  • If you receive telephone calls from your creditors, it is important to explain that you are having financial difficulties and how you hope to resolve the situation. If you have done this and you are still receiving persistent calls from your creditors or their collectors, this may count as harassment.
  • Creditors should not put undue pressure on you to pay more than you can afford. Office of Fair Trading guidelines state that, for example, creditors should not:
  1. contact you by telephone too frequently;
  2. pressure you into selling any of your property or assets; or
  3. pressure you into taking on further debt to repay existing debts.
  • If your creditor is not following these guidelines then you should keep a note of calls from your creditor including the date and time as well as the name of the person you are speaking to. You should also keep a copy of all letters. This information can then be used to complain to the Office of Fair Trading or your local Trading Standards Office.
What is involved in going bankrupt?
  • Bankruptcy is an option you can take when you have debts that you cannot afford to pay.
  • In bankruptcy the Court appoints someone to take over the management of your financial affairs. The person is usually called the Trustee.
  • You can be made bankrupt by your creditors. Alternatively you can petition for your own bankruptcy, but in both cases you must owe more than £750. If you owe less than £5,000 other options are likely to be more appropriate.
  • Advantages of bankruptcy include:
  1. most creditors have to stop chasing you for the debt and make their claim to the trustee instead;
  2. it’s a chance to make a fresh start.
  • There are some disadvantages to bankruptcy:
  1. You may lose certain assets – but your basic household goods, clothing and tools of the trade should not be taken.
  2. Any bank accounts you have will be frozen, although it is normally possible to open a new basic bank account after the bankruptcy order.
  3. Some of your debts may still be payable at the end of bankruptcy; such as Court fines, maintenance, child support payments and secured loans.
  4. Bankruptcy may affect your job, your home or your tenancy.
  5. You may have to make monthly payments to the Trustee. If this happens, you would normally be expected to make payments over three years.
  • Bankruptcy is usually worth considering if you have large debts that could not be repaid over a reasonable period of time.

4 Scenarios When Bankruptcy Options Are Important for Your Business

I have received a County Court Claim form. What do I do now?
  • Receiving a County Court claim form can seem very worrying, but you can usually deal with the process through the post, without the need for a court hearing.
  • If the claim you receive is for money you owe, the forms you use to reply will normally be enclosed with the claim form. It is important to reply within 14 days of receiving the forms.
  • If you wish to seek further advice over a possible defence, you should complete the ‘acknowledgement’ form within 14 days, which will extend your time to send back a defence form to 28 days.

How to reply –

  • You can reply to the claim in several ways:
  1. If you feel that the amount owed is correct but you cannot afford to repay the debt in full, you can use the ‘Admission’ form; complete this with your financial details and offer of payment and return it to the ‘claimant’ within 14 days. Don’t offer to pay more than you can really afford.
  2. If you feel you don’t owe the debt, you can use the ‘Defence and Counterclaim’ form. If you wish to defend the claim, you must send the defence form back to the court.
  3. If you feel that some of the debt owed is correct but that the rest is incorrect, then you can use both the forms.

Asking for a review –

  • If you have made an offer to pay, but the court has ordered you to pay more than you have offered, you can ask the court to reconsider your offer at a hearing. Any hearing would be at your local county court.

If you don’t pay –

  • If you fail to make payments as ordered by court, the claimant can apply for enforcement. This could be by, for example, asking the court bailiffs to visit you; applying for an attachment of earnings order; or asking the court to put a legal charge on any property you own (such as your home).
  • Court costs and fees will usually be added to your debt if a judgment is entered against you.
  • If a county court judgment is entered against you, this will be registered unless the debt is paid within 28 days of the judgment being made. It will remain on your credit record for six years after the judgment.
How can I deal with my Council Tax arrears?
  • Council tax arrears should be dealt with promptly. If you don’t come to an arrangement to pay, your council can take enforcement action against you. This could include, for example:
  1. getting an amount deducted from wages or certain benefits;
  2. sending bailiffs;
  3. applying for a legal charge on any property that you own; or
  4. making you bankrupt.
  • If all else fails, your council can ask the magistrates’ court to consider sending you to prison for non-payment.

Checking the bill –

  • You could take the following actions to check the amount you owe is correct and possibly reduce the arrears:
  1. Claim any council tax benefit which you are entitled to. You may be able to get this backdated.
  2. Claim any exemptions, reductions or discounts which you are entitled to. For example, if you are the only adult in your property, you are normally entitled to a 25% reduction on your bill.

Dealing with bailiffs –

  • If your council has passed the debt on to bailiffs then you may still be able to negotiate with the council. They may agree to stop the bailiffs’ action and accept a repayment plan. If they do, you will avoid having to pay bailiffs’ fees.
  • You may also be able to negotiate a repayment plan with the bailiffs themselves. However, bailiffs will normally want repayment over quite a short period. Private bailiffs can be very difficult to deal with and it is usually best not to let them into your home. They are not allowed to force entry unless you have let them in on a previous visit.
  • If you are having problems negotiating an affordable payment arrangement with your council or bailiffs, you could ask to see any Code of Practice or Recovery Policy with which they should comply.

Going to court –

  • As a last resort, your council can ask the magistrates’ court to consider sending you to prison for non-payment. The court may decide instead to either
  1. set a rate of repayment;
  2. write off part or all of the debt, depending on your circumstances;
  3. adjourn; or
  4. make no order.
  • If you are required to attend a committal hearing we recommend you seek specialist advice.

 

Gladstone Brookes | Council Tax arrears rocketing say Citizens Advice

What are my rights in a Hire Purchase or Conditional Sale Agreement?
  • A hire purchase or conditional sale agreement means that goods will be hired to you for an agreed period during which you pay instalments. You do not legally own the goods until you’ve paid the last instalment. During the hire purchase agreement the goods belong to the hirer so you must not sell the goods without getting their permission.
  • You do have a right to end the agreement early. You can do this by writing to the finance company stating clearly that you want to terminate the agreement. Send your letter by recorded delivery. If you end the agreement early, you must return the goods and you will then normally be liable to pay half the amount due under the agreement, less the payments you have already made.
  • If you do not keep up the payments , the hirer is only allowed to repossess the goods if:
  1. you have given your permission for this to happen;
  2. the hirer has obtained a court order; or
  3. you have paid less than a third of the total purchase price and the goods are stored on public land.

What are your rights if you can't keep up with repayments...

Problems getting credit?
  • There is actually no such thing as a “blacklist” of people that lenders will automatically refuse to lend to. Most lenders use a combination of information held by the credit reference agencies and their own credit scoring system to decide whether credit should be offered.
  • Credit reference agencies hold a record of most credit agreements applied for or taken out. You can obtain a copy of your own credit reference file by applying to one of the three major agencies, which are Experian, Equifax and Call Credit. You will need to supply your name, address, date of birth and all previous addresses for the last six years. The credit reference agencies charge a small fee for this service.
  • If you have a credit default or county court judgment registered on your credit file, it will usually remain there for six years, after which it should be removed from your credit file automatically.
  • Credit scoring works by allotting points for certain criteria. For example you may get some points for being registered on the electoral roll. The more points you have been allotted, the more likely it is that the credit provider will lend to you. Different creditors have different scoring criteria, so you may be refused by some but accepted by others.

Community Legal Advice Line

Community Legal Advice (CLA) is a free and confidential advice service in England and Wales paid for by legal aid.

If you are living on a low income or benefits, you may be eligible for free specialist advice from legal advisers on issues including: benefits and tax credits; debt, education; housing; employment; and family problems.

The advice is independent and confidential. Community Legal Advice will ask you questions about your problem and find out what help you need. You will be asked a number of questions about your finances to see if you are eligible for legal aid.

Community Legal Advice has a free translation service available in 170 languages.

 

Get free and confidential legal advice in England and Wales if you’re eligible for legal aid.
Civil Legal Advice (CLA)
Online enquiry form
Telephone: 0345 345 4 345
Minicom: 0845 609 6677
Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm
Saturday, 9am to 12:30pm

Consumer Focus

Consumer Focus provides information for consumers relating to core areas of work. They use their detailed knowledge of how markets work to help other organisations give accurate advice to consumers at the local level.

TaxAid

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TaxAid helps people on low incomes to understand the bits of the tax system that apply to them, pay only the right amount of tax and help them resolve crises when things go wrong.

The website is designed to make tax understandable to any taxpayer.

Shelter

Shelter provides a free, national telephone advice line staffed by trained housing advisers. We have helped thousands of people, from finding them a place to sleep to suggesting how to handle mortgage arrears. Very good and detailed services run by experts in the field and with links to local advice services in your area.

Open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm Saturday to Sunday 8:00am to 5:00pm

National Debt Line

The debt advice is for people living in debt and gives practical advice how to deal with it. You can be confident that the advice offered is targeted to you particular needs. They have a great comprehensive seld help debt pack.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 9:00pm Saturday 9:30am to 1:00pm

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

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The service offers you a complete counselling session on the internet using our online tool CCCS Debt Remedy. It only takes about 20 minutes to complete and will provide you with a customised recommendation. It is anonymous and free of charge.Alternatively you can call our Helpline and speak to one of our advisors. They will collect information from you and if necessary will arrange an appointment with a debt counsellor either straight away or at a time that suits you.

Debt Advice Foundation

Debt Advice Foundation’s helpline advisors can advise on the full range of solutions available in each region of the UK, including Scotland, which has separate legislation governing Insolvency processes such as Sequestration, LILA and Protected Trust Deeds.

Open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 8:00pm Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Step Change

With almost 20 years’ experience of providing debt advice, we offer a range of services and solutions to suit every situation.

Help us learn more about your circumstances and we can advise on the debt solution that’s right for you.

Uxbridge Citizens Advice Bureau

High Street, Uxbridge UB8 1UW

084 4848 7903 084 4848 7903

Email:

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Our services are free, confidential, independent and impartial.  However, for Ealing residents they are for clients with debt problems only.  Our Capitalise money advice service is available to all new debt clients (provided our allocation has not been exceeded).

We also provide money management (financial capability) training sessions and these can be available to groups in Ealing on request (email to Sue Carr at susancarr@hillingdoncab.org.uk).

Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am to 4:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am to 4:00pm

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Southall Rights

54 High Street, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3DB

020 8571 4920 020 8571 4920

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We provide advice and assistance in legal matters.

Open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 1:00pm and 2:00pm to 6:00pm

Drop in: General advice Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 5:00pm £3

Immigration advice Friday 5:00pm £10

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Ruislip Citizens Advice Bureau

9 Eastcote Road, Ruislip, Harrow, London HA4 8BD

084 4848 7903 084 4848 7903

Email:

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Our services are free, confidential, independent and impartial.  However, for Ealing residents they are for clients with debt problems only.  Our Capitalise money advice service is available to all new debt clients (provided our allocation has not been exceeded).

We also provide money management (financial capability) training sessions and these can be available to groups in Ealing on request (email to Sue Carr at susancarr@hillingdoncab.org.uk).

Open Monday and Wednesday 9:30am to 11:30am

Telephone Advice: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Drop in: Monday and Wednesday 9:30am to 11:30am

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Polpitya & Co

66 King Street, Southall, Middlesex UB2 4DD

020 8813 9282 020 8813 9282

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Advice and assistance on legal issues. Court attendance and representations. Police Station attendance and representations.

Open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm

Drop in: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm

Home Visits: Available

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Noble Solicitors

1A Harrow Road, Wembley, Middlesex HA9 6DE

020 8795 4411 020 8795 4411

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Expert solicitors covering Crime, Family and Childcare, Mental Health, Housing, Debt, Welfare Benefits, Prison and Appeals, Civil and Commercial Litigation, Immigration.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Telephone Advice: 24 hour helpline 070 0081 8283

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Drop in: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Home Visits: Available

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MAAS (Migrant Advisory and Advocacy Service)

High Street, Southall, Middlesex UB1 3HA

020 8571 7950 020 8571 7950

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Providing advice and assistance to migrants and refugees (including asylum seekers) on immigration, housing, welfare benefits, debt and employment matters.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm and Saturday 9:00am to 1:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 12:00pm and 2:00pm to 4:00pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm

Drop in: Monday to Friday 5:00pm and Saturday 11:30am

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Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Project Advice Project (LGBT)

Station Road, Harrow HA1 2XH

Email:

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A full CAB advice service for LGBT clients in West London. Although we are based in Harrow, we cover Ealing and can see clients locally.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm

Home Visits: Dependant on circumstances

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Hayes Citizens Advice Bureau

East Avenue, Hayes UB3 2HW

0844 848 7903 0844 848 7903

Email:

Website:

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Our services are free, confidential, independent and impartial. However, for Ealing residents they are for clients with debt problems only. Our Capitalise money advice service is available to all new debt clients (provided our allocation has not been exceeded).

We also provide money management (financial capability) training sessions and these can be available to groups in Ealing on request (email to Sue Carr at susancarr@hillingdoncab.org.uk ).

Open Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 9:30am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:00pm

Drop in: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am to 11:30am and 1:30pm to 3:00pm

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East European Advice Centre

238 - 246 King Street, London W6 0RF

020 8741 1288 020 8741 1288

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EEAC is an independent charity offering information and advice to people from Eastern Europe living or working in Greater London.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:30pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 2:00pm to 3:00pm

Drop in: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 12pm (first come first served)

Appointments: Every day 10:00am to 5:00pm

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M2M Community Solicitors LLP

South Hill Avenue, South Harrow, Middlesex HA2 0DU

020 8938 4611 020 8938 4611

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We are a Solicitors’ firm that provides legal advice and assistance.

Open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:30pm

Drop in: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm

Home Visits: Dependant on circumstances

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Disability Advice Bureau

44 South Ealing Road, London W5 4QA

020 8840 8573 020 8840 8573

Email:

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The Disability Advice Bureau provides advocacy and advice to residents of Ealing who have disabilities and their carers.  The service also facilitates Ealing Partners and the Power Group (peer advocacy and consultation groups for people with learning disabilities), the Carers Together group, Carers Action group and the Individual Budget User Group.  DAB also co-ordinates a consortium of support planners to assist people who are getting an individual budget.

Open Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4:30pm

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Disability Law Service

39-45 Cavell Street, London E1 2BP

020 7791 9800 020 7791 9800

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We provide specialist legal advice to disabled people, their families and carers in Community Care, disability Welfare Benefits and the Disability Discrimination Act as it applies to Goods and Service Providers, further and higher Education and the Equality Duty. Enquirers contact our triage team and where appropriate will be booked an appointment to speak with a lawyer. We can provide casework and representation under legal aid.  We also offer training in the areas of law in which we have expertise and are interested in collaborating with other organisations.

Open Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm

Home Visits: Available via request

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Centre for Armenian Information and Advice

105A Mill Hill Road, Acton, London W3 8JF

020 8992 4621 020 8992 4621

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The Centre for Armenian Information and Advice seeks to enhance the quality of life of disadvantaged members of the Armenian community in London, specifically those in poverty and isolation. The Centre supports their diverse needs through the provision of welfare, educational and cultural services at a welcoming Centre for all Armenians.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 4:00pm

Home Visits: Available via Request

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Brent Citizen Advice Bureau

270-272 High Road, Willesden, London NW10 2EY

0845 050 5250 0845 050 5250

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Provision of advice and information to the general public.

Open Monday,  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm
Tueday 1 pm – 5pm plus late opening for workers 5pm – 7pm

Due to very high demand, we are currently running a first-come, first-served ticket system. There is usually a long queue and  they do not always see everybody.
Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 10 to 4pm

Outreach projects

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Age UK Ealing

COMMUNITY CENTRE, 170 Oldfield Ln S, , Greenford UB6 9JS

020 8567 8017 020 8567 8017

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Our Information & Advice service deals with more than 10,000 enquiries annually. We offer free, independent and confidential advice about issues affecting older people and their carers in the Borough of Ealing.

Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm

Telephone Advice: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm

Appointments: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm

Drop in: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:30am to 4:00pm

Home Visits: Available

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Ashton Page Solicitors

8 Douglas Road, Hounslow, Middlesex TW3 1DA

020 8622 3671 020 8622 3671

Email:

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We are a firm of Solicitors providing legal advice and assistance to members of the public.  We are able to provide Legal Aid (to those who qualify) on family matters only.  We deal and specialise in various areas of law where we have been accredited with the Law Society’s Conveyancing Quality Scheme and their Family Law Panel accreditation to reflect the high standard of service we provide.

Open Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Telephone Advice: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Appointments: Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:30pm

Home Visits: Available via request

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The Disability Law Service

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The Disability Law Service provides telephone and written advice to clients whom have welfare benefit problems, and also representation; depending upon our availability at that time.

Citizens Advice service – Advice Guide

The site provides easy to understand general information on all areas of law including welfare benefits. It has handy tips on how to deal with situations and very useful standards letter and documents you can download.

Turn2us

This service which helps people access the money available to them – through welfare benefits, grants and other help.

Where can I go for advice on a business debt problem?
  • Small businesses and self-employed people can obtain debt advice from www.bdl.org.uk. They have been providing free, impartial and confidential advice for over 20 years.
How can I make or defend a money claim in the county court?
Bailiffs are contacting me about a magistrates court fine. What can I do?
How does debt affects your credit record?
  • Information is collected and stored by credit reference agencies and then passed onto lenders, banks, stores when you make an application for credit. Arrangements you make with creditors will show on these records. Your ability to obtain credit may be adversely affected.

What Is a Credit Score? What Are Credit Score Ranges? - NerdWallet

What is bankruptcy?
  • This is a way of dealing with debts when you cannot afford to pay. Once declared bankrupt, assets could be used to pay off some or all of the debt. After a period of time (usually 1 year), any outstanding debts are written off. However, the effects of bankruptcy are severe so get specialist advice.
What is an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)?
  • A legally binding agreement in the County Court to pay an agreed amount towards your debts over a shorter period of time (60 months). The criteria include: Debts of at least £15,000 to 3 or more separate creditors.
  • If you do not keep to an IVA, your creditors can make you bankrupt.

What Are The Rules To Choose The Best Individual Voluntary Arrangement Provider? — Steemit

What is a Debt Relief Order (DRO)?

An order granted by the Insolvency Service. The criteria are as follows:

  • Qualifying debts of £15,000 or less.
  • Assets of less than £300.
  • Available income for creditors of £50 per month or less.
  • On a low income.

If you would like to apply for a DRO, we could refer you to our debt interrogatory to make the application.  There is a £90 court fee.

Debt Relief Order DRO - LM Insolvency

What is a Debt Management Plan (DMP)?

This is an affordable repayment plan set up and managed by a Debt Management Company. They help you work out what amount you can afford, you pay this to the company and they distribute it to your creditors.

You need to answer yes to the following questions:

  • Are the debts unsecured?
  • Owe more than £5,000 to 2 or more separate creditors?
  • Have £100 or more available income each month?

The disadvantages of a DMP can be that the Debt Management Company will charge you a fee to administer the plan, generally 15% each month plus administration charges to set up the plan. It could take up the whole of the first monthly payment. Other disadvantages are that creditors may not freeze the interest so your debt increases and that it generally takes longer to clear the debts due to the fees.

Can I deal with my debts myself?
  • You can negotiate with your creditors (people you owe money to) yourself.
  • You can work out a budget sheet and then work out a pro-rata amount to pay your creditors each month. You need to pay the priority debts first and then use any remaining available income for your non-priority debts. You can follow the procedures by using the step by step guides available on www.adviceguide.org.uk
  • You can also make use of lots of tools and guidance available on the Money Advice Service website.

 

How can I manage my budget?
  • Draw up a budget sheet that lists all the money coming in and all the money you have to pay out.
  • Review the budget sheet on a regular basis.
  • Shop around for cheapest gas, electricity, phone, insurance deals. Online comparison websites can be useful here.
  • Check benefit entitlement to maximise your income here: https://benefits-calculator.turn2us.org.uk/AboutYou
  • Avoid credit and loans where possible. Check the terms, including the interest rates, if you are considering borrowing money or using a form of credit.
  • Get a financial healthcheck by using www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk.
  • Try to save a regular amount to cover emergencies.
  • Do not ignore debts – advice is available online and through specialist debt advice organisations.
What is a priority debt?

Priority debts need to be dealt with first because there can be serious consequences if you do not so e.g. losing your home. They include:

  • Rent and mortgage arrears
  • Council tax arrears
  • Electricity, gas, water bills
  • Court fines
  • Income tax
  • VAT
  • TV licence.

Priority Debts: How to Manage your Debts - Sell House Fast