Debt Toolkit - Additional information

Basic Bank Accounts

Obtaining a bank account has in the past been difficult for those with low incomes or financial problems. However, since October 2000 the Government stated that banks should make a ‘basic bank account’ available to everyone including those with previous or existing debt problems. These accounts are designed to be easy to open and easy to manage. Basic bank accounts are available from most banks and building societies. For further information click on the link provided in the right hand window.

Budget Sheet

A personal budget is an essential tool to help you tackle your debt problems. As you go through Steps 1 to 6 of the Debt Advice toolkit you will need to complete this to work out what money you can afford to offer your creditors (the people you owe money to). Click on the link provided in the right hand side to download a budget sheet.

Sample Letters

A selection of sample letters designed to help you contact your creditors in writing, explain your situation and negotiate repayments. You can either use them as templates for your own letters, or you can print them out and fill in the details for your own circumstances.