- Rent or Council Tax arrears
- Gas or electricity
- Credit or store cards
- Personal loans and overdrafts
- Owe friends and family
- Benefit repayments
Some options to consider
Talk to us and arrange a payment plan
If you are unable to pay your rent, for any reason you should:
- Contact your Rent Management Officer Immediately on 0300 1234 161
- If you think you might be entitled to housing benefit, contact Cornwall Council on 0300 1234 121 to make an application
- Keep your Rent Management Officer up to date with information about your housing benefit claim and financial circumstances
Gas and electricity bills
If you are struggling to pay your energy bills you can find advice from Citizens Advice website
British Gas Energy trust
This trust offers grants to clear debt on outstanding energy bills, for people who;
- meet certain criteria,
- and who can show evidence of being able to make energy payments in future (once the debt is cleared)
Find out more on the BG energy trust website
Broadband bills
Find information from Money Saving Expert Martin Lewis
Debt Advice
Debt can happen to anyone. Free advice and support can help you find ways to manage your debts and reduce how much you pay each month.
Christians Against Poverty
Debt counselling charity with a number of centres in Cornwall
0800 328 0006 (freephone)
Christians Against Poverty website
Citizens Advice
Cornwall Citizens Advice has offices across the county, and a phone helpline.
Textline: Text ADVICE to 78866 or for debt issues text DEBT to 78866 and they will call you back within 48 hours (excluding weekends).
Phone: 0800 144 8848 Mon-Fri 10am to 4pm. FREE
Debt and Money - Citizens Advice website
The Royal British Legion
Launched a grant scheme in November 2022 for armed services personnel, veterans and their families who are struggling to pay their energy bills.
The initiative will provide non-repayable emergency grants of up to £2,400 a year (£200 a month), and is available across the UK.
Eligibility criteria applies, but TRBL are generous with their definitions:
- current serving members of the Royal Navy,
- British Army
- or Royal Air Force
- as well as their families
- dependants
- and carers – which can include children
- current and former spouses and partners
- widows and widowers.
Check if you’re eligible on their website, or by calling the helpline.
0808 802 8080
Family and Information Service
Find support with childcare, parenting, money matters and more
Family Information Service website
Government website
Gov.uk advice on options for paying off your debt
Moneyhelper website
If you’re struggling with money, you can talk to a specialist online or by phone, who will be able to help you start sorting out your financial problems.
Find free, confidential advice.
Help if you are struggling with debt
Step Change
StepChange provides free and confidential counselling on debt problems – including personal budgeting and credit advice.
Telephone: 0800 1381 111 from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm on weekdays
Turn2Us
Information and financial support to help people get back on track
