Debt Advice

Free, impartial advice provided to individuals struggling with debt. Debt advice services help debtors understand their options, negotiate with creditors, and access formal debt solutions such as breathing space, debt relief orders, and individual voluntary arrangements.

In practice

Key free debt advice providers include StepChange (0800 138 1111), National Debtline (0808 808 4000), Citizens Advice, and local authority money advice services. Enforcement agents are required to signpost debtors to free debt advice, particularly where vulnerability is identified. Seeking debt advice early can help debtors avoid enforcement action by negotiating affordable payment plans or accessing statutory protections such as breathing space.