Use Debt Advice Services Instead Of Loansharks Advises Consumer Minister Ian McCartney

Consumer Minister Ian McCartney has urged beleaguered borrowers to avail themselves of free debt advice services ahead of resorting to dealing with loan sharks.

The Minister, who will open a new London office for the Money Advice Trust (MAT), which runs National Debtline, stated that many people were unaware that free, impartial support was available to help them avoid debt problems.

"My advice to people struggling with debt is to pick up the phone - there are people who can help you find a solution and avoid the sharks."

The Minister, who recently visited Illegal Money Lending Teams cracking down on loan sharks in Birmingham and Glasgow, said:

"Loan sharks are lowlifes whose primary purpose is to rip you off. Many of them will resort to intimidation and violence to take money off the most vulnerable in our communities who know of no other borrowing options.

Often it feels like there is no alternative than to turn to loan sharks but many people don't realise that debt advice and information is available for free. National Debtline is there to help."

Of course, even where a consolidation loan is deemed to be a viable tool to alleviate repayment difficulties, there are often suitable products available from reputable providers such as The Loan Helper, negating the need to go to loan sharks at all.

Sadly however, beleaguered borrowers often believe that their situation is so dire that no-one but the loan sharks will help, but again, reputable loan providers often have solutions even for borrowers with poor credit history due to having County Court Judgements, defaults or mortgage arrears and even bankruptcy orders.

National Debtline's advice includes speaking with creditors at the earliest opportunity to discuss your situation, and not to give up trying to come to an agreement regarding repayment terms even if creditors are difficult.

The DTI supports the many aspects of MAT's activities; in particular, by providing £1,000,000 annually to National Debtline.

The Government is also providing £47.5M in a 2 year programme to fund face-to-face debt advice, helping tackle debt for tens of thousands of individuals.

This money will pay for over 500 new debt advisers to help people get their finances in order, and will fulfil the Government's commitment to achieve a step change in the availability of debt advice.

As part of the Face-to-Face Debt Advice project, funded by the Financial Inclusion Fund, MAT is providing training for a large number of the advisers due to be recruited over the next two years.

Consumers can call National Debtline, on 0808 808 4000.