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Council tax is a priority debt because the consequences of not paying can be severe, including bailiffs, deductions from your wages or benefits, and in extreme cases in England, prison. If you are behind on council tax, it is important to act quickly. We can help you understand your options and deal with your council.

If you're behind on your rent and worried about losing your home, we can help. Rent arrears are treated as a priority debt because unpaid rent can lead to eviction. Contact us for free advice on your rights and options.

A Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) is issued by the police or another authorised officer for offences like speeding or littering. This is a priority debt because not paying can lead to a court summons, an increased fine, a warrant for your arrest, or even imprisonment. Contact us for free advice.

If someone has lent you money without proper paperwork, is charging huge interest, or is threatening you, they may be an illegal lender (also called a loan shark). You do not have to deal with this alone. Contact us for free, confidential advice.

A benefit shortfall happens when your benefits do not cover your essential living costs, especially housing. This can happen for many reasons, from the benefit cap to sanctions to your rent being higher than what benefits will cover. If your money is not stretching far enough, we can help you check whether you are getting everything you are entitled to.

A bailiff (enforcement agent) acts for the courts and can seize your belongings to settle a debt. A debt collector works for a creditor and can only ask you to pay. Knowing the difference matters because they have very different legal powers.

Universal Credit is the main benefit for people on a low income or out of work. If you are aged 18 or over (with some exceptions for 16 and 17 year olds), live in the UK, and have savings of £16,000 or less, you may be eligible. We can help you check your entitlement and support you through the application.

If you have unpaid court fines, they are treated as a priority debt. This means they should be paid before non-priority debts like credit cards or unsecured loans. If you cannot keep up with payments, there are steps you can take, and we can help.

If a creditor is chasing you for an old debt, it may be "statute barred," meaning they can no longer take you to court to force you to pay. In England and Wales, most unsecured debts become unenforceable after six years under the Limitation Act 1980 if you have not made a payment or acknowledged the debt in writing during that time.

In remote locations, having a car is essential to get access to communities and/or go to work. Based on personal situation, it would determine whether it is a priority or not.

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