01 February 2010
Debt advice – it’s on the house
More than one hundred people have been helped towards a worry-free 2010, thanks to a partnership project.
Whitefriars Housing Group and Coventry Law Centre teamed up in June to recruit a debt advice worker to help Whitefriars customers who have rent, council tax or utility arrears.
Peter Burgher, whose post is funded by Whitefriars, has supported Coventry residents to help clear debts, reduce debt payments and seek refunds on unfair charges.
Among those he has helped is a Coventry man who had received an unexpected electricity bill which he couldn’t afford to pay. After Peter stepped in, the firm agreed that the bill was wrong and wrote off nearly £300 it had requested.
Another resident had rent arrears and had entered into an agreement with a debt management company. Having paid a £37 application fee she was unhappy with the service. Despite many calls, four months later they were still refusing to hand back the fee. After Peter contacted them, a full refund was given.
Thanks to the pilot project, Whitefriars residents who go into rent arrears can now be referred to this money advice service at the Law Centre. Residents can also get help by approaching the Coventry Law Centre directly.
Peter said: “Our service is all about identifying and helping to meet people’s needs. By spotting early those who need help with debts, we can make more of a difference. Acting quickly to resolve financial problems often stops them becoming bigger and helps people to reduce or eradicate the money they owe. Ignoring the issue won’t make it go away.
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“Using my legal knowledge, I have been able to help write off unfair debts and help those in financial trouble to make more sustainable arrangements to pay off priority debts, such as council tax, rent and energy bills.
“As well as helping individuals, if they then pay off their main debts it can also benefit the wider Coventry community as the tax and rent arrears paid back can be invested in local services.”
Sue Bent of Coventry Law Centre, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Whitefriars Housing Group to provide this service.
“The recession has changed the financial position for many households and, at this time of year especially, there is a significant demand for advice about debt. Helping people to get back in control of their finances can make a huge impact on their lives – both in terms of stopping them worrying and, if we intervene early on in the situation, in avoiding legal action being taken against them.”
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Whitefriars’ top tips on dealing with debt
· DON’T ignore your debts: they will not go away. Get help
· DON’T ignore the people you owe money to (your creditors) or refuse to answer their letters. It will only make them less sympathetic to your case
· DO keep ALL letters and statements sent by your creditors
· DO act quickly. Debts are easier to deal with if they are tackled quickly. Creditors are more likely to negotiate if you contact them early
· DO phone your creditors or contact them in person
· DO keep your creditors up to date with what is happening
· DO make sure you can afford what you promise to pay
· DO plan now for next year
· DO make sure you are getting all the money or benefits you are entitled to
Notes to Editors
Whitefriars Housing Group Limited is a not-for-profit housing and regeneration organisation established in 2000 that owns and manages approximately 18,000 homes across Coventry.
Whitefriars Housing Group is part of West Mercia Housing Group (WMHG), which is the lead partner of Spectrum Development Partnership. WMHG consists of Whitefriars Housing Group, Harden Housing Association, Nexus Housing, Kemble Housing and Herefordshire Supported Housing for Young People Project. The new combined group, which is a development partner with the Homes and Communities Agency, manages around 23,500 homes across Coventry, the West Midlands, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Whitefriars has a key role, in partnership with others, across the West Midlands to develop new affordable homes and regenerate communities.
Since transfer, Whitefriars has spent £340 million to repair and improve its housing stock. The vast majority of its homes now meet the Government’s Decent Homes Standard –ahead of schedule. It is currently embarking on a campaign, Services on the Up, aimed at improving the core services received by residents.
In addition to providing homes, Whitefriars works in partnership with communities and other agencies to provide training and employment opportunities and support services for local residents, with the aim of building sustainable communities.
Whitefriars Housing Group Limited is a charitable industrial and provident society.
For further information please contact Val Hunt or Nikki Cheung at The Bridge Group on
024 7656 0440 or v.hunt@bridge-group.co.uk