Dealing With Debt
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The Dealing with Debt Money Advice Service has been running since April 2006 when Citizens Advice successfully tendered for the DETI contract to provide face to face money advice across Northern Ireland. In the period 2006 - 2011 the service assisted close to 11,500 people in Northern Ireland and handled over £123 million of debt. The vast majority (approx 70%) of this debt was made up of credit cards, mortgage debt, personal loans and bank loans provided by mainstream lenders.
In April 2008 DETI awarded the second contract for face to face advice to Citizens Advice. During this time the service has experienced a considerable increase in demand and witnessed disturbing trends such as a 186% increase in mortgage arrears cases, 144% increase in Business Debts, 109% increase in secured loans and a 108% increase in the number of Door Step Lender loans.
The service for the period of 2006-2010 has been independently evaluated by KPMG and PSC Management, both of whom concluded that the service is accessible to all in Northern Ireland and is value for money. The service is being accessed by those who need it most and is an example of government money being well spent to target services to those in most need.
In April 2011 following a public procurement exercise DETI awarded the third contract for face to face debt advice to Citizens Advice. This followed a period which brought increased demand for advice particularly in the area of mortgage debt and secured loans as the fall out from the recession continues to bite.
Our dealing with debt service has its own one stop number which will put you through to your nearest debt advisor PHONE 0844 8552104 or alternatively contact your local bureau at the link below.
Click here to browse or download our Money Advice publications.
Click here to access our on line chat line Mon to Fri 4pm – 8pm and Sat 9am - 12pm
Click here to email for on line advice or to make an appointment with one of our advisors
Click here for Dealing with Debt locations and contact details
Click here to view Frequently asked questions
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