There are many sources of money and advice and debt counselling.
Independent and free money and debt advice
National Debtline
Telephone 0808 808 4000 Mon–Fri 9am to 8pm Sat 9.30 to 1pm More details
StepChange Debt Charity
Telephone 0800 138 1111 (Freephone including all mobiles) More details
This national charity gives free advice on:
- managing debt
- individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs)
- debt relief orders.
It runs a free online debt-counselling service Debt Remedy available 24 hours a day. You don’t need to give your name. The service can help you to reach a realistic budget, so you can clear your arrears over a realistic period of time.
The Money Advice Service
Free and impartial money advice, set up by government.
Telephone 0800 138 7777 (Calls are free)
Visit the Money Helper website
- Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm
- Saturday, 9am to 1pm
- Sunday and Bank Holidays, closed
Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB)
CAB gives confidential advice on benefits, benefit assessment and debt.
Telephone 0808 278 7830 to find out more about CAB offices (below) and outreach locations across the borough:
- Feltham - The Centre (by the library)
- Brentford and Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Chiswick
You can also go to the CAB website.
Directgov
This government website provides an online benefits advisor tool which you can use to find out what benefits you may be entitled to. More details
Credit Union
Thamesbank Credit Union is a financial co-operative that, unlike banks, is owned and operated by its members for the benefit of its members. The Credit Union serves anyone who lives in Hounslow and can provide members with affordable credit, without the need for personal guarantees.
More details or call 020 8756 3865.
Email: admin@thamesbank.org
Hounslow Housing money and debt advice services
If you are a council tenant or leaseholder with arrears, we can arrange a free, confidential session with a money/debt adviser. Contact your Housing Officer to arrange an appointment on 020 8583 4000 or visit your local Housing office.
Help with paying your rent
If you are having difficulty paying your rent and are not already on Housing Benefit or Universal Credit, you may qualify. Contact your local job centre to find out more about Universal Credit.
Report a Loan Shark
Loan sharks are illegal moneylenders who often charge very high interest rates. Loan Sharks sometimes enforce repayment using blackmail or threats of violence. You can report loan sharks anonymously:
Illegal Money Lending Team
Telephone: 0300 555 2222
24-hour service
Text a report to 07860 022 11
Email: reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
You can check if a company is authorised to lend money:
FCA
Telephone: 0800 111 6768
Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm
Saturday, 9am to 1pm
Email: consumer.queries@fca.org.uk
Foodbox Foodbank
Hounslow Housing works closely with Foodbox food bank. If you need to make use of the Foodbank you will need to request a voucher from your Housing Officer, local Citizens Advice Bureau, or Jobcentre Plus. Residents can use Foodbox no more than three times in a 12-month period although there is flexibility in extenuating circumstances.
