Debt collection help and advice
If you are facing debt collection action then we recommend that you speak to someone for a confidential assessment. The Debt Advisor is authorised by the FCA to provide debt counselling services and can provide full advice and discuss the options available for you. You can also read our bailiff guide. Bennett Jones Specialises in IVAs.
✓ Write off unaffordable debt*
✓ One monthly repayment
✓ Only pay what you can afford
An IVA may not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees apply. Entering into an IVA will affect your credit rating. You could write off up to 80% of your debts upon successful completion of an IVA.(10% of our customers wrote off 80% in the last 12 months, with a typical figure of 25%-75%).
Check if you are eligible for an IVA
Bennett Jones is here to help you regain control of your finances. We’ve helped thousands of customers become debt-free by using an IVA. Complete the form above to get no-obligation debt help from our trusted partner, The Debt Advisor Ltd.
Our relationship with The Debt Advisor
The Debt Advisor and Bennett Jones have common Shareholders. The Debt Advisor Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority to provide debt counselling and debt adjusting services to people who are experiencing financial difficulties. The Debt Advisor Ltd will advise you regarding all of the solutions which are available to help you. There is no charge for initial advice relating to the debt solutions available to you and is without obligation. Depending upon the solution that you choose, fees may apply.
You have many rights. Don't allow yourself to be bullied by debt collectors:
- Never let a debt collector into your home. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and bullied, so it’s vital to know your rights and understand what you can do to protect yourself. They can only enter your home if you, or a family member over 16, invites them in. They are not allowed to force their way past you or put their foot in the door.
- Debt collectors have no rights to contact you at work or visit you at work.
- Debt collectors have no enforcement power to take goods or enter your property. The most they can do is ask for the money. They sometimes pretend to have bailiff powers and this is a criminal offence.
- Call 999 if you're being threatened by a debt collector.
- Tell the debt collector to leave and say you’ll speak to their head office to discuss matters further, if the debt collector won't leave the doorstep then you have a case for harassment.
- Debt collectors do not have the same powers as bailiffs. Debt collectors come from private firms and don’t have the same powers to enter your property or seize goods.
- Video your interaction. A debt collector or police officer cannot object to being filmed on your property.
- Debt collectors have no powers of entry or arrest, and neither do police community support officers (PCSO).
- Debt collectors cannot discuss your details with neighbours and cannot watch your house or loiter outside, as they are not acting in the execution of duty. Record the collector on video and report him to the police (Protection from Harassment Act 2007).
- The creditor is liable for debt collectors acting on their behalf and you can bring an action for any unlawful actions. Send the creditor a "Letter Before Action" which contains how much is owed, why it is owed, how to pay, a deadline and what will happen if they do not pay. Wait for the deadline and then start the claim at your local county court using Form N1.
- Most high street companies are good at lending money or selling goods on credit but they shy away from the dirty business of debt collection. This is why debts are often sold on, or larger retailers may use a subsidiary with a different name to collect the debts. Most unsecured debts; such as credit cards, loans and overdrafts are regulated by the Consumer Credit Act, which allows them to be sold on after you have stopped paying. You will be notified by letter by the original company and the new debt collection company if your debts have been sold on.
- A debt collection agency may put a claim into court and seek a CCJ to be registered against you. A CCJ orders you to make payments towards the debt, such as using an attachment to earnings. If a CCJ is issued the associated debt can be included in an IVA. The debt is repaid within the IVA in the same way as all the other debts which have been included.
- There have been how many documented cases of coercion and underhand tactics by debt collectors. You are not obliged to confirm your identity or give any details to a debt collector. Simply ask them to leave and threaten them with an official complaint and legal action.
We are proud of our 5* Trustpilot reviews
November 2024, Carenza
I cannot thank Bennett Jones enough. I had a lot of debt and couldn’t see a way out. It was beginning to impact on my mental health....... I finished the process today and it was approved, and I honestly feel so much relief that I cried down the phone because I am so thankful. Words will never be enough to say how grateful and thankful I am but one thing I know for sure is that I can start my life again without worrying about money and the debt. Thank you so much for everything!
October 2024, Tony
Truly a breakthrough a company of people that actually care and understand your concerns of being in financial difficulties very understanding caring and acknowledging your feelings Craig who called me was very helpful and clear in all aspects of the situation and completely put me at ease from the start to finish highly recommend to any one who’s in financial difficulties
September 2024, Glen
I found Bennet Jones 5 years ago was really struggling financially. They helped me set up my IVA and the process from start to finish has been amazing. The support I have been given over the last 5 years goes above and beyond what I expected. Would highly recommended If your struggling with debt please don't bury your head in the sand it's an easy process for manageable payments every month and know more hiding behind the sofa. Thanks to everyone at Bennett Jones.
Bennett Jones provides IVAs to those who need help paying off debts from coast to coast, from big cities like London, Manchester and Birmingham, to small rural areas all across the UK. We have many years of experience helping people deal with debt and build stronger finances using an IVA.
An IVA can help you pay off your loans, credit cards, catalogues, payday loans and many other debts. Rated excellent on Trustpilot, read our IVA customer reviews.