Stop debt threats now
It’s time to campaign for change
Too many vulnerable people are at risk because of antiquated legislation that near forces companies to bully them. new authoritative figures show over 100,000 people in debt attempt suicide each year in England, and 420,000 consider it.
A campaign by the charity, The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, which I am proud to have founded in 2016, is aiming to change things.
The petition
Money and Mental Health are proposing these changes: ✱ Debt threat letters to stop ✱ A change in law to make letters easier to understand and signpost people to help. If you agree, please sign the petition at moneyandmental health.org/debt-threats. ✱
Regulation of debt enforcers and bailiffs
There is guidance on how enforcers and bailiffs should behave, but no independent regulation. We need regulation of bailiffs by the Ministry of Justice to protect those from aggressive collections.
What To do if you feel like you can’t cope
If you need help with suicidal thoughts, call the Samaritans at any time on 116 123. If you’re worried you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 – stay on the line while you wait for help to arrive.
GET one-on-one help
I’ve never come across any situation where the debt hasn’t been solvable. The best route is to get free one-on-one help from a non-profit debt agency such as citizensadvice. org.uk, nationaldebtline.org or stepchange.org. Contact capuk.org for both debt and emotional support.
know your rights
✱ Bailiffs can’t turn up at your door without sending a letter first. ✱ Once you know they’re coming, ensure you keep doors and windows locked. Stay calm and don’t be intimidated. They may ask you to let them in – you don’t have to. You can talk to them through the letterbox and record the conversation, too. ✱ On the first visit, they often ask you to make a payment towards what you owe. ✱ If it gets increasingly aggressive, call 999. ✱ Bailiffs shouldn’t ever lie about who they are, climb through open windows, break down doors, push past you, or enter when there is only an under-16 there. ✱ If they are collecting unpaid court fines, or if you haven’t paid what you agreed on the first visit, they can use a locksmith for entry. They need a court warrant for this.
sort your finances
✱ Get a trusted friend to help if you can’t cope. ✱ Look for a bank account or app that helps you stay within your limit such as monzo.com or squirrel.me. ✱ Check you’re claiming all the benefits you are entitled to at mind.org.uk and entitledto.co.uk.