Debt Advice Foundation

The Citizens Advice Bureau has just confirmed that they are losing 500 of their debt advisors and are unable to take on any more cases due to cuts in government funding. On top of this the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) announced last week that 35 commercial debt management  firms had surrendered their consumer credit licenses. So if you have been made redundant or are struggling with your finances where do you go for advice?

David Rodger, Managing Director of the Debt Advice Foundation, comments, "People struggling to repay their debts are facing a double dilemma – a dramatic reduction in government funded services and a lack of trust in commercial advice.

"At a time when unemployment continues to grow and demand for debt advice is expected to reach record levels, its vital that people in need of help know where to turn and who to trust. Charity services like our own Debt Advice Foundation helpline and National Debtline remain open to the growing numbers of people who need us.

"Our charity does not rely on Government funding, and we have the capacity to help more people and deal with new enquiries. We don't ask people to wait or to book an appointment, simply to call our helpline or to download the support tools on our website."

The Debt Advice Foundation is a registered charity which offers free and impartial debt advice.

Telephone helpline service is available six days a week on 0800 2922077, lines are open from 8am to 8pm Mon to Fri and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays.

The charity also offers online self-help tools and information at www.debtadvicefoundation.org/help