Debt advice

If you find yourself in debt and don't know where to turn, we can provide a free and confidential service offering in-depth advice, based on your personal circumstances.

If you are struggling with debt issues and their related problems, we are sure we can help.

Here in the Town Hall, we have trained advisers who specialise in money advice.

We offer a free and confidential service to all the residents within the boundary of Preston City Council. 

Call us for debt and welfare benefit advice 

We are now offering a full welfare benefit and debt advice service over the phone or by live chat for people who are struggling financially for reasons such as job loss, income reduction and financial issues as a result of lockdown.

We now offer a Live Chat service where you can talk to our Debt Advice or Welfare Benefits Team about your issue with a trained adviser online.

Debt advice Live Chat

If you have a question about money or debt, or want to know more about how the Debt Advice Team can help you, start a live chat with us by clicking on the Live help icon below.

When you click on the icon a pop up window will appear for you to enter your details and tell us the question you would like to ask us. 

Type your question in the chat box window and a qualified debt advisor will provide you with the information you require.

I want to use the telephone service, when can I call?

Our staff will be available from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.

What number do I call?

• Debt advice - 01772 906838

What information will I need for the advisor?

It is useful for our advisors and to ensure you receive the correct information and advice to have the following details to hand:

• Details of all your debts - recent statement, chasing letters, original agreement.
• Your income - including any benefits or pensions
• Your household bills - for items such as food and utilities, with details of any missed payments
• Approximate values of assets - like your home or car

Debt tips

• Work out a budget. Add up all the money you have coming in every week or month. Remember to include wages for yourself and your partner and/or any benefits you receive, plus rent from grown children and anyone else who lives with you. Then add up all the money you spend, including your mortgage/rent, council tax, utility bills, water bill, housekeeping, car tax, insurances, telephone, TV licence and any debts.

• Make sure you pay your priority debts first. Don't just pay the people who are knocking on the door first or the ones who keep ringing you. Priority debts are those which you would lose an essential service if you did not pay, for example, debts against your home, or those for which you could ultimately be imprisoned for if you didn't pay such as council tax. Gas and electricity bills are also priorities as these will be disconnected if you don't pay.
• Get in touch with your creditors. Do this straight away. Explain your difficulties. Go and see them, or phone or write to them. Very often they will be able to help. If the first person you speak to is unhelpful, ask to speak to somebody more senior who may be able to agree to help.
• Don't give up trying to reach an agreement even if creditors are difficult.
• Always keep copies of any letters you send or receive so that you can prove you have tried to reach an agreement if matters come to court.

Debt don'ts

What not to do if you get into debt:

• Don't feel guilty - over 2 million people are having the same problem

• Don't borrow more money to pay off the debts you have
• Don't ignore the problem - it won't go away
• Don't agree to sign your home as security - you could lose your home if you do
• Don't offer to pay more than you can afford
• Don't let creditors harass you - they can be prosecuted
• Don't panic - there are things you can do

Preventing money problems

Local services that can give you advice about budgeting and money management.

• Preston City Council Debt Advice Service - free and confidential debt advice

• Preston Debt Centre - give free debt help
• Citizens advice - help get your finances back in shape

National websites

• The Money Advice Service - advice and guides to help improve your finances
• Money Saving Expert - advice about getting a basic bank account
• Credit Union Services for Preston offer responsible savings and affordable loans to help you to better manage your money.

Dealing with debt

If you are struggling with debt issues and money related problems, we have qualified advisers who specialise in money advice.

We offer debt advice services which is a free and confidential service to all the residents within the boundary of Preston City Council.

There are many websites offering advice to people struggling with debt, but some of these offer services that you have to pay for. Check whether the information on the websites above can help you, first.

• The Money Advice Service - managing debt
• Step Change Debt Charity - managing debt  
• Citizens Advice - helping with debt

Self help pack

Download Preston City Council's Debt Advice Self Help Pack [157.88KB] which can be used in getting back on track with your debts.