County people being urged to take advantage of debt advice

Oct 23 2008 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

COUNTY people are being urged to take advantage of a new free service to provide advice on debt issues.

West Lothian Council's Debt Support Team, in partnership with the Advice Shop, is offering help to local residents with financial problems by providing independent debt, benefit, energy and money advice.

The team will look at individual circumstance to:

Ensure residents are claiming all welfare benefits that they are entitled to;

Help to renegotiate debt payments before they get into serious difficulties;

Provide assistance with utility debts to negotiate repayment;

Advise on money saving tips to reduce consumption and cut costs;

Advise on insulation and central heating grants.

Councillor Isabel Hutton, executive member for social policy, said it’s important to seek help if repaying debts becomes a problem.

She said: “During the current climate of economic uncertainty, it is easy to find yourself confused and in need of some expert advice.

“It is vitally important that anyone who is struggling or is concerned about debt repayments contacts our team.

“Often people tend to leave it to the last minute or only see the council as a social landlord, but we provide important free advice to anyone in West Lothian who, for example, may have rent, council tax or mortgage debts.

“Many people are now under pressure with increased fuel and grocery bills and face difficulties making ends meet.

“I would urge anyone with debt worries to make an appointment with our Debt Support Team so that they can help plan a solution.”

Advice can either be given by personal interview or telephone by calling free to 0800 834672.