GOVT DEBT COLLECTION CRITICISED

Debt collections by the Government and councils have been described as aggressive and frightening by a charity.

Almost half of all clients helped by Christians Against Poverty have debt with the Department for Work and Pensions and the taxman.

A study from CAP into clients struggling with debt reveals that while the practices of private companies chasing debt have become more customer focused, those owing council tax or benefit overpayments were being chased harder and suffering more.

The charity wants the longawaited Breathing Space scheme – a six-week break from mounting fees and charges, and being chased by creditors – to give people the relief they desperately need from spiralling debt problems.

UNACCEPTABLE

Matt Barlow, CAP’s chief executive, said: “While we’ve seen improvement in some of the private sector’s debtcollecting practices, it is totally unacceptable that some of the most aggressive debt collecting in our nation comes from local and national governments.

“The reality is, people on the receiving end can feel overwhelmed and unable to cope and our findings show they are not given sufficient understanding and support.

“Many have no idea why they owe what they owe and that’s both confusing and frightening.”

Advisors at the charity described making contact with government creditors as “challenging” and cited one local authority as only contactable online, while HMRC was criticised for long queue times on expensive helplines.

A government spokesman said: “We have a responsibility to the taxpayer to recover benefit overpayments. There are safeguards to ensure people aren’t being asked to repay more than they can afford, and reductions in monthly repayments can be requested.”

GET FREE DEBT HELP

If you are struggling to keep up debt repayments get help immediately, don’t wait until things spiral out of control.

■ Call Christians Against Poverty on 0800 328 0006

■ Contact your local Citizens Advice or visit citizensadvice. org.uk

■ Call the National Debtline 0808 808 4000

■ Contact StepChange Debt Charity on 0800 138 1111 or via stepchange.org