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You are here: Home > Business > Trading Standards > Consumers > Credit & Debt Advice > Help With Debt

Help With Debt

Notes and Coins
If you live in Leicestershire and you:
  • have money problems
  • are having financial difficulties, or
  • are struggling to make ends meet
You can get free, independent, confidential advice from the County Debtline which is a joint initiative between Leicestershire County Council, the Citizen's Advice Bureau within Leicestershire and the Legal Services Commission.
  • Sources of help and support
  • Government departments and agencies

  • We have provided some definitions and advice on the Credit & Debt Advice page to help you gain a better understanding of some of the financial terms used with money and credit.
  • We have also got some Pre-shopping Advice to help you try and avoid debt.

Sources of help and support

A number of organisations may be able to help you sort out your debt.
  • Leicestershire County Debtline
0844 2480 040*
If you cannot call when the Debtline is staffed, leave your details on the 24 hour answer machine. These will be forwarded to your local bureau which will then send you a self-help pack and contact information.
* Calls cost 5p per minute from a BT landline. Call charges from other landline providers or mobile phones may vary. Please check the rate with your phone service provider.
  • Citizens Advice
For free advice on debt and a range of other matters, visit your nearest Citizens Advice Bureau. Look them up in your phone book or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk
  • National Debtline
A free telephone helpline for people with debt problems. Call 0808 808 4000. Or visit www.nationaldebtline.co.uk to e-mail for advice, use interactive budgeting tools and download information packs, fact sheets and sample letters.
  • Consumer Credit Counselling Service
For free money and budgeting advice, including free debt management plans, call 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk
  • Public Protection Project Team
Have you or anyone you know been approached by someone offering you a loan? Need help and advice in confidence then call 0116 217 9550 or text in on 60003**  You can also visit the Loan Shark page on this website
** Standard text rates apply

Government departments and agencies:

  • Financial Services Authority (FSA)
For general information about money matters, go to the FSA's Moneymadeclear website www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk
  • Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
For a free independent service that helps to resolve disputes between lenders (and other businesses carrying out consumer credit activities) and their customers, phone 0845 080 1800 or visit www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
  • Information Commissioner's Office
For information on how to check your credit records go to www.ico.gov.uk or call 08456 30 60 60
  • H M Court Services
For information about court processes and procedures visit www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk
  • Insolvency Service
For information on insolvency, bankruptcy and redundancy visit www.insolvency.gov.uk or phone the enquiry lines: Insolvency on 0845 602 9848 or Redundancy on 0845 145 0004
  • Directgov
For online information on a wide range of public services, go to www.direct.gov.uk

further information

Consumer Advice:
Contact : Consumer Direct
Telephone : 08454 04 05 06
Online: www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
Trader Advice:
Contact : The Duty Officer
Telephone : 0116 305 8000
E-Mail : tradingstandards@leics.gov.uk
Last Updated:
2 October 2008
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