Escalating debt?

Threatened with repossession or court action?

Mortgage arrears?

Don’t know where to turn?

Feeling overwhelmed?

Struggling to cope with an IVA or Debt Plan?

We understand that you may be feeling overwhelmed or even embarrassed about your situation – we also know that every case is different.

Some of you may find the thought of bankruptcy frightening because you have been told that you will definitely lose your home, your car and your possessions.  This is totally untrue.  Each situation is very different and there are many, many ways of resolving each one.

That's why the council provides a free and confidential advice service from our highly experienced specialist, Mark Fisher, who can help you to form a plan based on your specific situation.

You can either contact the council direct on 01256 844844 or you can contact Mark on
01256 845301 to discuss your case.

We will ensure you have access to everything you need to know about debt, IVAs, mortgage arrears, bankruptcy, repossession...

...and how to minimise its impact on your life.

DO THIS NOW, TODAY

If you have mortgage arrears or are threatened with repossession, make a mortgage payment before a court case, even if all you can afford is £20. Continue to make regular payments whilst you seek advice and help to make debt arrangements. Suspend all payments on unsecured loans and credit cards in order to pay the mortgage, rent, gas and electric and council tax until you have agreed a plan with our money advice agencies.

Why?

The courts will look more favourably on your case if you show intent to make payments, however difficult your situation. In recent Basingstoke court cases, it has made the difference between losing and keeping a home – there can sometimes be options and possible solutions that you will be unaware of.

• If you have lost your job or facing unemployment in the near future, contact the Job Centre to claim any benefits entitlement such as Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit & Council Tax. If you have never claimed welfare benefits, we understand that you may feel embarrassed or a sense of failure. Contact us if you want to discuss it in confidence – you are not on your own.

Why?

If you are entitled to Council Tax Benefit and fail to claim it, you will be liable for the debt. Failure to pay will result in court action and referral to a bailiff. Failure to pay your rent due to not claiming Housing Benefit could result in eviction.

• Contact the council even if you think that nothing can be done for you.

Why?

Between us, we have an exceptionally high level of skill an knowledge regarding debt, housing and the law. We are also very aware of what your creditors can do, and more importantly, what they can’t do. In the current financial climate, things change week-by-week; mortgage products are being offered now that may not have existed at the start of your crisis. In addition to this, we are able to contact lenders at a senior level or, if necessary, request intervention by representatives of the Government's mortgage rescue team.

We will also discuss your housing options in the event of bankruptcy or repossession. We work very closely with local landlords who understand that bankruptcy does not automatically make you a bad prospect as a tenant. If you have never claimed welfare benefits, you will be unaware of what you are entitled to claim or you may feel embarrassed about claiming; private rented property is affordable if you know what to claim.

• If you have mortgage arrears, contact your lender immediately and ask what assistance they can offer under the ‘pre-action protocol’. As well as the response, record the time, date and the person you speak to.

Why?

Many lenders are being extremely helpful and inventive. Tell them about your situation, and if necessary, you can download a financial statement form to help you explain your problems. If you have a repossession hearing, the courts will expect both you and your lender to have discussed options – make sure you have done your part, it could save your home.