Organisations offering Advice on debt and other issues

Leighton Linslade Citizens Advice Bureau

Tel: 01525 373878
Opening times: Mon-Fri 10.00am to 1.00pm; Mon 4.00pm to 6.30pm

Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on debt, benefits, housing, employment, immigration and consumer issues.  Face-to-face advice at drop-in sessions, along with telephone and email advice.  The Bureau can also help set up Debt Relief Orders.

Ampthill and Biggleswade Citizens Advice Bureau

Tel: 01525 402742 or 01767 601368
Opening times: Mon-Thu 9.30am to 2.30pm

Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on debt, benefits, housing, employment, immigration and consumer issues.  Face-to-face advice by appointment along with telephone and email advice.

Dunstable Citizens Advice Bureau

Tel: 01582 661384
Opening times: Mon-Thu 10.00am – 12:30pm; Mon-Wed 1.00pm – 3.30pm.

Free, independent, confidential and impartial advice on debt, benefits, housing, employment, immigration and consumer issues.  Face-to-face advice at drop-in sessions, along with telephone and email advice.

Citizens Advice - Advice Guide

Advice guide

Advice guide - Money management

Citizens Advice website with general information on people’s rights and responsibilities - including debt, benefits, housing and employment, consumer and legal issues.  Factsheets on various consumer and debt issues.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

Freephone helpline 0800 138 1111

Mon-Fri 8.00am to 8.00pm

Free, impartial advice on debt, personal budgeting and use of credit.

Includes “Debt Remedy”: an anonymous, online debt counselling tool which gives advice on dealing with debts and practical help with managing money.

National Debtline

Freephone helpline 0808 808 4000

Mon-Fri 9.00am to 9.00pm; Sat 9.30am to 1.00pm; 24-hour voicemail to request an information pack.

Free, confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. Provides self-help packs and factsheets. Can also help set up debt management plans and Debt Relief Orders.

Accepts telephone, email and written enquiries.

Payplan

Freephone helpline 0800 280 2816

Mon-Fri 8.00am to 9.00pm; Sat 9.00am to 3.00pm

Free, independent debt management service funded by the credit industry.  Arranges debt management plans and organises Individual Voluntary Arrangements.  Negotiates repayment plans direct with creditors.

Money Advice Service

Money Advice Line 0300 500 5000

Mon-Fri 8.00am to 6.00pm

Advice on all money matters including dealing with debt, benefits and pensions, financial products and guide to money for different stages in life.  Website has a range of factsheets on financial matters, and an online “Personal Money Health Check” tool designed to help people manage their money.

Advice in person, by phone or email.

DirectGov

Directgov - money, tax and benefits

or

Directgov - managing debt

Government website with information and links about money matters, including benefits, tax credits and debt, and links to other organisations websites for help with debts.

Age UK

Formerly Age Concern and Help the Aged

Freephone helpline 0800 169 6565

Free, impartial advice for older people on anything from debt and benefits, health and housing, to tax and pensions.

Website has guides to investing, saving and debt management.

Bedfordshire Advice Directory

You can use this Directory to find out where in Bedfordshire you can get advice and information on a wide range of issues and services.

Shelter - The housing and homeless charity offer advice on their website about Debt and arrears

Housing problems often start because of financial difficulties. If you are struggling with unmanageable debt, rent or mortgage arrears, you need to take action as soon as possible.