4. Debt advice
If you don’t pay your rent, you could lose your home. The money you owe is called rent arrears. Rent arrears are very serious. You should deal with them quickly.
In the UK, debt advice is free. If you’re in debt, don’t ignore it and try not to worry. There are people who can help you. They can:
- Check if you can get more money or benefits
- Help you fill in forms
- Show you how to manage your money
There’s also a new government scheme called Breathing Space. It gives you time to sort out your debts. You can get this help by talking to a debt advice service.
Need Help? Call Us
If you are worried about money, please contact us as soon as possible. Talking to us early gives us the best chance to help.
We know that paying rent and other bills can sometimes be difficult. This might be because of changes to your income, benefits, health, or personal circumstances.
The Payments and Collection team can:
- Talk to you about your rent and payment options.
- Work with you to set up an affordable payment plan
- Check whether you may be entitled to Housing Benefit or Universal Credit
- Help you understand your rent account and any arrears
- Signpost you to Discretionary Housing Payments
- Signpost you to the Crisis and resilience fund
- Signpost you to free, independent money and debt advice
- Refer you to organisations that can help with budgeting, benefits, or financial hardship
We treat all enquiries confidentially. Our aim is to help you pay your rent, avoid arrears, and stay in your home.
If you are struggling with money, please do not ignore the problem. Contact us and we will try to help.
Or, if you prefer, you can contact one of these organisations directly:
National Debtline
Free advice about debt problems
Call: 0808 808 4000
Website: www.nationaldebtline.org
StepChange Debt Charity
Help with debt plans and budgeting
Call: 0800 138 1111
Website: www.stepchange.org
PayPlan
Free debt advice and plans
Call: 0800 316 1833
Website: www.payplan.com
Citizens Advice
Help with benefits, housing, and debt
East Devon: 01395 265070
National line: 0800 144 8848
Website: www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Money Helper
Government help with money problems
Call: 0800 138 7777
Website: www.moneyhelper.org.uk
Civil Legal Advice (CLA)
Free legal help for some people
Call: 0345 345 4345 (Mon–Fri, 9am–8pm)
Website: www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Universal Credit
For new or existing claims
Honiton & Exeter Job Centres: 0800 169 0190 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)
Website: www.gov.uk/universal-credit
Remember, you’re not alone. Help is available, and it’s free.