Money advice
Many people fall into debt at some time in their lives, for any number of reasons. It's far better to seek advice sooner rather than later. If you are having financial difficulties seek advice early and get back on track.
What is the Money Advice service?
We are a small specialist team based at the Navigators Resource Centre near to the Civic Offices. Our job is to provide money advice to council tenants who are referred to us from all parts of the council. For example, if you are a council tenant with rent arrears your housing officer might suggest you see us.
We give impartial, free and confidential advice. We will not chase you for money specifically to pay your rent, council tax or any other debt you owe the council. You may not even have any debts to the council. You do not have to see us, but if you do want some help, speak to your housing officer who will contact us for you. Or you can contact us direct.
What can we do for you?
We help you to maximise your income by making sure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to and that you are not paying too much tax.
We work with you to design a 'personal budget' - this lists all your income and outgoings, as well as debts. It will show you your esact financial position and all the people you owe money to (called your creditors).
Some debts are more important than others. We explain which debts should be given your attention first and why this is so important. We can contact all your creditors to negotiate a manageable repayment of your debt. If you don't have any money we can tell them that too. We won't offer your creditors more than you can afford but once an agreement has been made between yourself and your creditors you must stick to it unless something changes.
We can help you to respond to any court action, threats of disconnection, harassment from creditors and any other urgent action.
How can this help you?
This action usually stops everyone chasing you for money and usually results in reducing your outgoings. Of course, this might mean that it takes you longer to repay your debts but your repayments should be within your means.Often interest on your arrears can be frozen and occasionally debts may even be written off.
Need some help?
If you would like to see us then the easiest way to arrange an appointment is to speak to your housing officer. They will take some basic information from you and contact us.
This can save time as we have your details before the first interview. If you would prefer to contact us direct then please do so.
Visits can be made to your home, at your local area office or you can come to the Navigators Resource Centre.
Further information
For more information, the Money Advice Team at:
The Navigators Resource Centre, Isambard Brunel Road, Portsmouth
Telephone: 023 9284 1538
Helping council tennants manage their debts leaflet (0.11 MB)Link 11 ( MB)