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 telephone or online debt counselling, 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 problems and 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 (DMP), specifically designed to reduce their debts in a sustainable way and provide a more secure financial future. There are a range of alternative solutions that we may advise depending upon the individual’s circumstances.

While working with a debt management plan, we recommend that all clients review their situation regularly with our help. This ensures their DMP 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.