People in financial difficulty can reach us through our 0800 freephone number, or online using our online counselling system, which is available 24 hours a day.
Debt Advice
Over the telephone, a helpline advisor will perform an immediate assessment of the situation ending in emergency help, self-help material or the offer of a counselling appointment.
Through CCCS Debt Remedy, internet users receive the same expert debt advice tailored to their individual circumstances but online.
Whether clients choose to use our 0800 freephone number or CCCS Debt Remedy, we will conduct a full review of their credit and debt situation followed by a recommendation. Clients receive a personalised information pack, by email, in the post or to download directly, with clear recommendations on how to get back in control of their debt.
The first priority, wherever possible, is to allow for essential expenditure, priority debts and living expenses. We will assess whether the client has enough left over to make an offer of repayment to other creditors. If so, creditors are asked to freeze interest, stop penalties and charges, accept a longer repayment period and sometimes a reduced sum.
We understand that people with more serious debt issues may need to act quickly and we provide clear action points so that they know what they need to do first.
Debt management plan
Some people may be able to enter into a structured debt management plan, specifically designed to reduce their debts realistically and provide a more secure financial future. But there are a range of alternative solutions that we may also advise depending upon the circumstances.
While working with a debt management plan, we recommend that all clients review their situation regularly with our help. This ensures their debt management plan is as effective as possible.
The quality of our counselling means that many creditors now accept our repayment proposals without further checking and the repayment records of clients we have counselled are uniquely good. This is because we follow the two key principles of best advice and sustainable plans.