Written by Tom James
Debt Awareness Week is an annual campaign that aims to encourage people to speak up and seek advice quickly to ensure their debt problems don’t spiral out of control.When is Debt Awareness Week? In 2021, Debt Awareness Week takes place between 22-28 March.What’s the aim of Debt Awareness Week?Debt Awareness Week…
Written by Tom James
The Chancellor announced the budget on 3rd March 2021 to outline the Government’s financial plan for the coming year and beyond.The announcement was highly anticipated by millions up and down the country, including workers, businesses and low-income households negatively affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.The furlough scheme has been extendedThe Government’s…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
The 2021 Budget is a time for government to set out their spending plans for the year ahead. But, much like the rest of the year, the nation’s ongoing health and finances crisis is likely to take centre stage.So, to help you take back control, we’ve dedicated the whole of…
Written by PayPlan
Virtual bailiffs visits to reduce Covid-19 spread Thanks to a High Court ruling in January, bailiff visits no longer have to be done by a bailiff coming round to your house – they can now be done via Zoom, FaceTime or WhatsApp instead.You’ll now be able to show a bailiff around…
Written by Tom James
PayPlan welcomes the FCA’s decision to clamp down on Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) credit. They are calling for stronger financial education in the sector.What has happened?The FCA stepped in to help better protect consumers from BNPL debt and other forms of lending. They did so using recommendations from The…
Written by Tom James
PayPlan launches Financial Wellbeing hubDebt is a major problem in the UK. The effects of Coronavirus over the past 12 months has caused more people to fall behind on repayments and require support with managing their money and mental health. This is also known as Financial Wellbeing.PayPlan have launched a…
Written by PayPlan
With the furlough scheme finishing at the end of October, the Government has put a new system in place to try and protect jobs – the Job Support Scheme (JSS). What is the furlough scheme? If you are on furlough, you are instructed not to work and will be paid…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
Today, GamCare has launched a new toolkit for organisations to support people affected by gambling-related financial harm.The leading gambling support charity’s toolkit is for financial institutions, gambling businesses and debt advice agencies across the UK. As a result, these organisations will better be able to recognise, support and refer customers…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
If you can work from home, then the government has advised that you do so. With winter just around the corner, here’s what you need to know about how to claim back tax when you’re working from home.What difference does working from home have on bills?If you’ve been working from…
Written by Will Lyon
We’re all very aware of the financial impact that Covid-19 has had on household budgets. From getting a reduced income to no income at all – it’s been a challenge. Here’s what you can do if you are living on a reduced income and are in debt.Planned redundancies twice the…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
Do you rent in England or Wales? The government has recently announced a “truce” on enforcement action for tenants facing eviction this Christmas. Homelessness charity Shelter revealed that more than 170,000 private tenants have been threatened with eviction since the pandemic started. A further 230,000 tenants in England have fallen…
Written by Tom James
Ryan Horton from PayPlan and John Webb from Experian answered the big questions concerning your credit score and debt in a Facebook Live event earlier this month.We’ve collated the questions covered, along with a few highlights from their answers…My income has been impacted by Coronavirus. What options do I have?If…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
Earlier this month, Refuge announced that its helpline has received more than 40,000 calls and contacts since the start of lockdown. June saw a 77% increase in contacts to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and an 800% increase in website visits.In response to COVID, Refuge launched a new ‘live chat’…
Written by Tom James
Nearly half of people in problem debt have a mental health problem. Yet, symptoms of many mental health problems like difficulty communicating, impaired clarify of thought and reduced concentration, can make it difficult for people to engage with debt advice.Every year 100,000 people in England attempt suicide because of debt.…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
PayPlan and leading housing provider, Longhurst Group, have partnered to support customers in financial difficulty to improve their economic resilience. PayPlan’s specialist advisers help over 100,000 people every year with confidential advice and personalised debt solutions. As part of its commissioned Housing Association debt advice service, PayPlan supports customers to become…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
Throughout June, PayPlan upskilled a group of individuals at Santander on domestic abuse awareness in a financial service setting. The National Domestic Abuse helpline, which is run by Refuge, reported a 25% increase in calls and online requests for help since the lockdown. With this added pressure, there has arguably…
Written by Tom James
Leading free debt advice company, PayPlan, conducted a survey to find out how people in debt have been affected during the Coronavirus outbreak. The FCA have extended payment holidays for mortgages and other debts, and although the majority of those surveyed by PayPlan feel paying back their debts now is…
Written by Lizzie Marlow
Free debt advice provider, PayPlan, has launched a new enhanced Business and Self-Employed Debt Advice Team for people who are self-employed, or run their own business, and need help with debt. With the current economic climate impacting almost five million self-employed people and six million small businesses across the UK,…
Written by Tom James
Refuge, the UK’s largest national domestic abuse charity, and free debt advice provider, PayPlan, are working together to support survivors of domestic abuse to become debt free.One in five adults in the UK (the majority of whom are women) experience economic abuse[1]The collaboration will help survivors of domestic abuse access…
Written by Tom James
In response to the FCA’s announced proposals to extend the scope of mortgage payment holidays, Rachel Duffey, CEO of PayPlan, commented:“The additional support being proposed for customers struggling with their mortgage payments is very welcome. We echo the FCA’s view that where consumers can afford to re-start mortgage payments, it is in…
