News

Debt Counselling Offered To Households

Poole Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is offering a new debt counselling service to people in financial difficulty and facing homelessness.

The service, funded by Borough of Poole, offers support and advice to residents unable to maintain their mortgage or rent payments. The CAB will work in partnership with the council's Housing Advice and Options Team to offer practical options to help people keep their home.

Members of the CAB team will aim to negotiate with creditors to help those in difficulty manage their budgets carefully. Priority debts such as mortgage will be considered first and then counsellors will aim to re-negotiate payments for other debts such as credit cards and store cards.

Poole CAB chief executive, Richard Bristow said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with the council to help and support people. Enquiries have risen significantly in the last six months from people feeling the effects of the recession. The most important thing for someone facing debt problems is not to ignore the problem. It will not go away. If you need to seek help do it earlier rather than later."

In addition to the debt counselling service, the council has introduced a number of initiatives including Mortgage Rescue Scheme, the Homelessness Prevention Scheme and the Court Representation Scheme. The Housing Advice and Options team can provide advice and support to households about these schemes.

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Health, Housing and Wellbeing, Borough of Poole, said: "During difficult financial times for many Poole households, the council is offering additional help and support to people at risk of losing their home. In partnership with the Citizens Advice Bureau this new service, along with the many others already available, will help Poole residents to access a range of debt advice services which gives every opportunity to support people remain in their homes."

Anyone who wants advice, support and information about the debt counselling service should contact the Borough of Poole Housing Advice and Options Team on 0800 092 9710.