Letter: Debt advice

Sylvia Stagg
Wednesday 19 August 1998 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sir: Amanda Davidson asks who will help those most in need of debt advice ("How to get out of a debt trap", 12 August). The answer is the Citizens' Advice Bureaux across the country. Trained advisers - almost all volunteers - help thousands every year completely free of charge and in the strictest confidence.

All general advisers have access to specialist debt support teams if necessary. As recommended in the article, they will help clients take stock of the situation, prioritise their debts (their home or their freedom may be at stake), reconsider their budgeting and negotiate with creditors .

Many serious debt problems arise from borrowing further to service an existing debt and the options to this must be fully explored to ensure that the client's home is not at risk and that the downward spiral is not accelerated. As Amanda Davidson points out, the irresponsibility of some bank lending is a cause for considerable concern.

SYLVIA STAGG

Lymington, Hampshire

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in