Landlord’s debt help pays off

Published by Roisin Rowley-Smith for Riverside in Bill Payments and also in Communities, Housing

The struggle to pay off Christmas debts leaves many juggling their finances during the early months of the New Year, but for some, settling the bill for all that good will, can have more serious implications.

In a bid to help tenants combat debt and poverty, social landlord Riverside is continuing to offer debt advice services at its two Merseyside offices.  Support and advice for those in debt can save many from disturbing bailiff visits, or even eviction proceedings.

Since April 2011 debt advisors from Knowsley Citizens Advice Bureau, based at Riverside’s Walton Road and Birkenhead offices, have helped over 200 people manage over half a million pounds worth of debt.

Caroline Field is director of community engagement at Riverside, she said:  “We are helping people prioritise their debts, offering tailored solutions to suit income and the types of debt accrued.  We can help people apply for various options, from Individual Voluntary Agreements to Debt Relief Orders if they have more than one creditor and very little surplus income left each week.”

The average amount of debt per case is over £9,000. 

Caroline added:  “Some people have accrued debt over many years, while others find that redundancies, divorce or ill health leads to mounting debts, which can spiral out of control.  Many do not realise that non payment of rent can lead to losing your home, with devastating consequences.”

Riverside’s debt advisors form part of a package of support for tenants who are struggling to make ends meet.