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Never before has the
level of debt been so
high. In these difficult
times money worries
are affecting us all. But
many are struggling to
Living life in the red?
make ends meet and
pay for everyday
How to seek help with your debt problems
essentials like food,
electricity bills and
transport.
“For many people, further debt and bankruptcy could have been avoided
if only they had sought proper help and support.”
If you are struggling to cope it’s important to remember • Can you increase your income? Options might include:
that you are not alone. Did you know that the Citizens - asking grown up children or others living with
Advice service offers independent, free advice to help you you to contribute towards household expenses
deal with your debts? So take some positive action and get - renting a room in your home (check
your life back on track… landlord/mortgage lender’s permission)
- receiving benefits – do you know what you are
Debt problems make up around 40 percent of Bournemouth entitled to receive?
Citizens Advice Bureau’s (CAB’s) workload. Chief Executive,
Martin Broad, explains: “When somebody comes to see us Cabinet Member Councillor Nick
their situation is always different, but the money advice King said: “CAB provides a vital
Facts
process remains the same. Our debt counselling service is service for residents, benefiting
confidential and we never judge you. We will make you not only individuals but the town
CAB clients have an
aware of your rights and responsibilities and help you make and the Council. We fully support
average of £13,000
informed choices about how you deal with your debts.” their work, particularly the debt
of debt when they
counselling service and I urge
Debt advice may benefit you by: people to get in touch with them.
come to a bureau,
• reducing the overall amount you have to repay on credit For many, further debt and
that’
s nearly 17.5
agreements bankruptcy could have been
times their monthly
• giving you the ability to purchase the essentials such as avoided if only they had sought income.
food, clothing and transport proper help and support.”
• reducing the threat of losing your home / helping you to
keep your home
• reducing your stress and improving your health
• increasing your income by helping you to claim benefits
that you may be entitled to.
Bournemouth Citizens Advice is based in the
How you can help yourself
West Wing of the Town Hall on Bourne Avenue
• Work out your personal budget –see how much money is
and they can be contacted on:
coming in, how much is going out and what money is left
Appointments and advice line: 08444 994105
• Deal with priority debts first – things like rent/mortgage
There are also advice points across the
arrears, fuel payments, council tax, secured loans and
borough, please call for details or look at
court fines
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• Don’t take out further debt and avoid loan sharks
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DEBT ADVICE
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