Debt
Free, confidential debt advice to help you take control of your finances. Practical support to reduce financial pressure, understand your options, and find a way forward.
Service overview
Managing debt can feel overwhelming, especially with rising living costs and financial pressures. Getting the right advice early can help you regain control and avoid problems getting worse.
Our debt advice service supports people across North Yorkshire to understand their financial situation, explore available options, and take practical steps towards financial stability.
You can also find general guidance on debt and money on the national Citizens Advice website.
Who this service is for
This service is for anyone in North Yorkshire who is:
- Struggling to keep up with bills or credit repayments
- Worried about debt or being contacted by creditors
- Facing court action, bailiffs, or enforcement action
- Unsure what options are available to deal with their debts
Key issues covered by this service
Our specialist advisers can offer advice and support on:
- Priority debts (such as rent, council tax, and energy bills)
- Credit cards, loans, and overdrafts
- Arrears and missed payments
- Bailiff action and court proceedings
- Budgeting and managing household finances
What we can help you with
Debt problems can quickly become stressful and difficult to manage. Our trained advisers will work with you to understand your situation and provide clear, practical advice tailored to your circumstances.
We aim, wherever possible, to give you the tools and confidence to manage your own debt. If your situation is more complex, we may offer additional support or refer you to a trusted partner.
Examples of support include:
- Reviewing your income, spending, and debts
- Helping you prioritise essential bills
- Supporting you to create a realistic household budget
- Explaining the difference between priority and non-priority debts
- Advising you on the full range of debt solutions available
- Helping you communicate with creditors
- Supporting you if you’ve received court papers or bailiff notices
How we can help
- Provide clear, impartial debt advice
- Help you understand your financial situation and options
- Support you to increase income (e.g. benefits checks)
- Help you reduce outgoings and identify savings
- Guide you through dealing with creditors and enforcement action
- Refer you to trusted partners where appropriate
- Support you with debt relief order applications following advice
Important information
- Creditors may continue to add interest or charges
- Some debt solutions may affect your credit rating
- It’s important to keep up with priority bills where possible
How to access our services
Contact methods
- Phone: Call our FREE Adviceline on 0808 278 7900
- Online enquiry: Complete our referral form
- In person: You can access support at our offices and outreach locations across North Yorkshire
We treat all information you share with us in strict confidence. Your details will not be shared without your consent unless required by law.
What to expect when you contact us
When you get in touch, one of our advisers will take the time to understand your situation and identify the best way to support you.
Step 1: Initial contact and assessment
Step 2: Review of your financial situation (income, spending, debts)
Step 3: Tailored advice and explanation of your options
Step 4: Ongoing support or referral where needed
What you'll need
To give you the best advice, it helps to have:
- Proof of income (wage slips, benefit letters, Universal Credit journal)
- Bank statements
- Details of debts and creditors
- Household bills and expenses
- Any letters from courts or bailiffs
If you don’t have everything, don’t worry, just bring what you can.
Your responsibilities
- Attend agreed appointments or let us know if you can’t
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information
- Inform us of any changes to your situation
- Avoid taking on further credit during the advice process
