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Last year 749 people received support from Falkirk Council’s debt advice team to manage debts totalling £17.1m.

Free, confidential and impartial help and advice is available from the dedicated team on all types of debt including rent and mortgage arrears, council tax, personal loans, credit cards, store cards and payday loans. The team can help people with their options if they face losing their home or being taken to court over money.

People begin to worry about post-Christmas debt towards the end of January and the last Monday of the month has been dubbed the most depressing day of the year. Debt advice charity Stepchange claims that the day, known as ‘Blue Monday’, kicks off the busiest time of year for debt advisors.

Council Leader Craig Martin said: “It can be difficult for people after Christmas when the bills start coming in. We have seen an increase in the number of people receiving debt advice over the last few years and our debt advice team can provide a wide range of support and advice.”

The Debt Advice Team can help with a wide range of options for dealing with debt including:

  • Reduced payment – if you have cash after paying for food, fuel and housing costs, an officer can contact creditors with an offer of affordable payments
  • Debt Payment Plan (Debt Arrangement Scheme) – this is a Scottish Government scheme which prevents creditors taking legal action against you. Interest on the money owed is frozen and you repay the debt in full over a longer period.
  • Bankruptcy – a last resort for debt problems that can mean debts are written off if you owe more than £1500. At present there are two routes into bankruptcy
  • Low Income Low Asset (LILA) where your gross income must be less than £260 per week or
  • Certificate of sequestration. If your income is higher a certificate can be signed to allow your bankruptcy to go ahead
  • Other Options include Protected Trust Deeds, Token Payments, Moratorium, Mortgage to Rent

There are also three Citizen Advice Bureaux throughout the local area that can offer debt advice and support.

For help and advice on debt call 01324 506735 or email debtadvice@falkirk.gov.uk.

Or contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau:

Denny and Dunipace

Tel. 01324 823118

Falkirk

Tel. 01324 626070

Grangemouth and Bo’ness

Tel. 01324 483467