Citizens Advice Bureau (Salford)

If you are looking for advice please visit our advice site www.salfordcab.org.uk

These pages contain background information about Salford Citizens Advice Bureaux.

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Press Release

Salford Citizens Advice issues warning about paying for debt advice:

The Citizens Advice Service has just published a report showcasing good practice for dealing with people in debt.

Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of National Citizens Advice said “Bad debt collection practices can have dire consequences and often make things worse by pressuring the person in debt to pay more than they can afford. People’s homes, relationships and wellbeing are all at risk as a result”

Tom Togher, Chief Executive of Salford Citizens Advice said “Here in Salford we are really worried that many people resort to profit making debt advice companies – where the quality of the service may be questionable, and where people have to pay, meaning that they stay in debt for longer than is necessary”

These companies work by creaming off a portion of the persons payments before they are passed to creditors, increasing people indebtedness.

The Office of Fair Trading has issued a number of warnings to these private companies over the last year, and is likely to conduct a full investigation in the future.

Tom Togher said “We would always encourage people to approach us first. Our services are free, and high quality”

“If you are worried about anything just phone 0161 793 7839 for an appointment to see a debt adviser”.

Notes to editors:

Salford Citizens Advice dealt with debts amounting to £19 million last year, owed by 1,301 families in Salford. The average debt of these families was £14,604.
The service’s busiest time for debt enquiries is just after Christmas.
Advice is available free of charge to all Salford residents either by calling in at your local branch or by phoning 0161 793 7839.
There are branches in Eccles, Irlam, Salford Precinct, Swinton, and Walkden.
We will be running a special ‘Keep out of debt campaign’ in the run up to Christmas.
Details of the recently published report “How to do the right thing” are available from www.citizensadvice.org.uk
The Office of Fair Trading launched revised debt collection guidance on October 19.
OFT acts against debt management businesses on October 10. More information available from www.oft.gov.uk.

Contact:

Tom Togher
Salford Citizens Advice
0161 707 4222
tom.togher@salfordcab.org.uk.

Recent changes

Publications:Response to the LSC consultation "Civil Bid Rounds for 2010 contracts"

The response of Salford Citizens Advice Bureau to the Legal Services Commission consultation. 56 kb PDF