Where can I find debt advice in the UK?

By Mr Bankruptcy

16th April 2024

If there’s one common theme to my blog posts, it’s to encourage anyone in the unenviable situation of facing unmanageable debt to seek advice. I’ve been there myself so I know how difficult it can be to own up and ask for help.

Another issue is whether that advice will be well informed or helpful? The problem is that anyone might be willing to give advice, but how can you tell if they know what they’re talking about?

Of course, it’s vital to discuss your financial situation with those who are going to be affected by it – a spouse or business partner. It’s only fair that they are warned how your situation could impact on them. But they may also be in a position to offer help and valuable moral support at a time when you are likely to feel depressed.

In addition to some moral support, you will also need a way forward out of your debt problem, and this is most likely to come from professional financial advice.

Fortunately, in the UK we have a long history of helping people to get out of their debt and there are plenty of sources of expertise you can draw from, ranging from charities to specialist commercial debt advisors. The problem then becomes: which source of advice do you choose?

Debt advisors

It pays to look around, and ask for recommendations for a good source of advice depending on your situation, but here are some more options for anyone living and working in the UK, much of it offered free of charge:

UK Government website  and its Moneyhelper service. You can find a wide list of charities and organisations that can help with free advice and personal debt and insolvency services, both in England and Wales, and in Scotland and Northern Ireland which have their own legal structures and solutions.

Citizens Advice (formerly called CAB) This is a good place to start for an individual with a personal debt problem, A Citizens Advice case officer can help you to collect all the information you need on your debts, which ones you need to pay off first, and give budgeting help on how to reduce your outgoings and how to pay back what you need to.

Salvation Army. Not an organisation that you might think of first off, but the ‘Sally Army’ has been helping people in dire straits since 1865 and debt has always been a particular burden on the poor.

National Debtline. A registered charity that’s been giving free, impartial and expert debt advice to more than 100,000 people a year since it was founded in 1987.

Step Change Debt Charity and Payplan. These sites offer someone to talk to online or by phone for a range of different debt levels.

Paying services. such as James Rosa Associates offer UK-wide professional help on debt management for both individuals and business organisations. An initial consultation is often free, and a consultant will then direct you to services particular to your circumstances.

Always ensure your debt advisor is qualified

Remember that providing money or debt advice to clients is a regulated activity and any organisation which has set itself up in this field should hold Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) permissions, unless exempt from authorisation.

For additional reassurance you can choose a member of a recognised and regulated UK professional body such as the Institute of Money Advisors.

Taking the first step

One of the most forward-thinking economic reforms introduced by the Victorians was to provide alternatives to throwing debtors into prison. As a result, we are fortunate in the UK that there exists an extensive market in professional debt, bankruptcy and insolvency services.

So, if you feel overwhelmed by your debt, there will be someone out there able and willing to help.

Debt advice from James Rosa Associates

James Rosa associates is a firm of debt advisors and debt adjustors. Proud of our reputation for a supportive and non-judgemental approach when dealing with the most sensitive financial problems, we offer a full range of advice and professional services to business owners, directors and individuals facing unmanageable debt or are involved in a civil or commercial dispute.

We are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN665061) to work with clients to produce bespoke solutions to fit their specific circumstances. Our general services include:

• Debt advice and adjustment
• Insolvency support
• Negotiated settlements
• Personal assisted bankruptcy
• Mediation

Do you qualify for a Tailored Financial Reconstruction™ consultation?

If you want to deal with an unmanageable debt, you can apply for one of our Tailored Financial Reconstruction consultations. This is a highly bespoke service, and we have to limit the number of clients we take on to eight per month.

Contact James Rosa Associates, ring 0845 6807217 or email enquiries@jamesrosa.co.uk and one of our case directors will arrange an initial consultation.

Please be advised that all views expressed in these posts are those of the author and not of James Rosa Associates ltd.