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Spiralling debt problems and financial worries can be managed according to Falkirk Council’s debt advice team who are reminding residents of the free, impartial and confidential support service they offer throughout the year.

In the post Christmas slump, many families and individuals find the costs incurred by festivities remind them of how far they may be in debt and how difficult it can be to cope.

In the year April 2015 to March 2016 the team managed debts totalling £8.3m and helped more than 700 people in difficult or dangerous financial circumstances where, in more extreme circumstances, were under threat of eviction, repossession or court action because of debt.

Debt can affect almost anyone of any demographic or personal circumstances and is on the increase across Scotland with a report from the Scotland Institute indicating the average level of debt per Scottish household as £4000 in 2016 compared with £2200 in 2008.

Councillor Craig Martin, Leader of Falkirk Council said: “Ignoring debt will not make it go away however dealing with it using the right support can reduce its devastating impact on families and individuals.

“Our debt advice team is highly professional and offer a service that is completely free, impartial and confidential to any local residents.

“They can work with creditors directly to negotiate on your behalf and often can intervene almost immediately in more difficult and threatening situations.

“The team will always give their advice based on the interests of the individual and will work with them to help as far as possible.”

The types of debt the team can advise on is comprehensive and includes: rent and mortgage arrears; council tax, personal loans, hire purchase, credit and store cards, payday loans and catalogues.

To access the service an initial appointment is made to see what help is needed and then depending on circumstances, further arrangements are made to gather further information. To get in touch with the service, you can visit their support page or email debtadvice@falkirk.gov.uk or call 01324 506735. Home visits are also available