What we cover
Priority debts can put your home or essential services at risk, or give creditors stronger recovery powers. Non-priority debts (cards, loans, overdrafts) still matter — they are often what a DMP or IVA is built around. Tell us about both when you get in touch.
Short-term borrowing through your bank account that can become a long-term problem.
An overdraft lets you spend more than is in your account. Interest and fees can grow quickly, especially if it is unarranged. Banks can also ask for it to be repaid at short notice.
Examples
Revolving credit that can stay high if only the minimum is paid.
Card balances can stay high for years if only the minimum is paid. Interest usually continues until a formal arrangement is agreed.
Examples
Fixed-term borrowing, including high-cost short-term credit.
Loans from banks, online lenders and payday companies are usually unsecured. Missed payments can lead to default notices and collection.
Examples
A priority debt — councils have strong powers to recover what is owed.
Local authorities can use enforcement agents, deductions from benefits or wages, and in some cases further court action. Council tax is usually treated as a priority debt.
Examples
Housing debt is a priority because your home can be at risk.
Landlord and lender action can move quickly. We separate housing from unsecured credit so you know what must be protected first.
Examples
Gas and electricity debts are usually treated as priority.
Suppliers can take recovery action and, in some cases, install prepayment meters. Essential fuel debts should be dealt with alongside any housing or council tax issues.
Examples
An existing debt being collected by an enforcement agent, often with extra fees.
A bailiff — officially an enforcement agent in England and Wales — does not create a new type of borrowing. They collect a debt that is already owed, such as council tax, a court fine, a parking penalty, or a county court judgment. Their own fees are added in stages, so the amount can rise after a letter, a visit, and if goods are taken. A visit does not always mean goods can be removed the same day, but the fees and the powers they have make this urgent. Tell us which debt they are collecting, whether they have written or visited, and the amount they are asking for.
Examples
Usually non-priority in England and Wales (different from energy).
Water companies have fewer enforcement powers than energy suppliers or councils, but arrears still need a plan. We list them so nothing is missed when we look at your budget.
Examples
Also common: HMRC / tax debts, benefit overpayments, court fines, parking charges and CCJs. Mention anything that applies — we sort priority from non-priority with you.
Talk to Us About Your Debts