Debts or Arrears
The Council can help you with advice and information if you are having problems with debt. You can contact the Citizens Advice Bureau for money advice on the advice line 08456 888707, or look at the website www.adviceguide.org.uk 
. The Citizens Advice Bureau can advise on any benefits you may be entitled to, to increase your income.
You can also get information and advice at the website www.nationaldebtline.co.uk or phone 0808 808 4000.
The Money Advice Trust website can help you manage your debt issues www.mymoneysteps.org
The Consumer Credit Counselling Service offer help to deal with several debts. Phone 0800 138 1111 or visit www.cccs.co.uk .
Shelter can help with housing, mortgage debt or problems with welfare benefits. For housing advice call 0808 800 4444 or visit www.shelter.org.uk/adviceonline . For Shelter advice on the Homeowners Mortgage Support scheme, call 0300 3300 515.
Help with rent
You may be able to apply for Housing Benefit to help you pay rent, even if you are working. You should contact the NHDC Customer Service Centre on 01462 474000.
Help with your mortgage
If you are having difficulties paying your mortgage, you must tell your lender immediately. If you don't do this, they may start legal action to repossess your home. If your lender knows you are trying to pay the loan, they should give you more time to sort out your money problems.
Your lender may agree to
- change or lengthen the term of your loan
- accept reduced payments for a while
- add your debt to the amount you borrowed.
You should contact the NHDC Customer Service Centre to ask for housing advice before taking steps to sell.
You may also be eligible for help under one of the Government schemes for homeowners facing repossession:
The Mortgage Help website is a good source of information to help prevent repossession.
1. Support for Mortgage Interest
This can be paid as part of Income Support, income based Jobs Seekers Allowance, Income related Employment and Support Allowance or Pension Credit.
See www.direct.gov.uk for more information, or www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk or phone 0800 055 6688.
2. Mortgage Rescue Scheme
If your have tried everything but still can't pay, and your lender is taking action to repossess your home, this scheme may help. You must have dependent children, be pregnant or elderly, have a long-term illness or disability to qualify. You must be homeless if your house were to be repossessed. You should contact the Citizens Advice Bureau money adviser or NHDC Customer Service Centre to ask for housing advice.
3. Homeowner Mortgage Support
This may help you if your household income has dropped eg you lose hours, your wages have been cut, your household is now relying on one income if your partner has lost their job. This scheme allows the lender to delay some of the mortgage interest for up to 2 years.
See www.direct.gov.uk/hms for more information, and a list of lenders that offer the scheme.
4. Getting help in court if you are facing repossession
You should always go to a repossession court hearing. Do not ignore court forms or hearings. You should contact the Citizens Advice Bureau or NHDC Customer Service Centre for housing advice immediately.
At court, you should ask the court usher to show you where the court desk adviser is. In many cases, they can come into court with you and help you with your case.
Just showing up for the hearing can make a real difference to your chances of keeping your home.
5. Pre-action Protocol
This is an agreement which means lenders must prove that they have considered all options before repossessing your property. Your lender should send a copy of the leaflet or other legal information before taking action to repossess your home. Your lender must give you information on how much you owe, the balance you have left on your mortgage, interest or charges that you have to pay.
Your lender should consider any reasonable request from you to change your payments. If you are trying to sell your property, the lender should delay any action to give you time to sell.
Your lender will have to show that they followed the Pre-Action protocol at any court hearing.
If you feel your lender has been unfair in dealing with your mortgage arrears, you may be able to complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
