1. Home
  2. Housing
  3. Your council tenancy
  4. Tenants' Link
  5. tenants' link magazine
  6. Are you struggling to keep up with your bills?

Are you struggling to keep up with your bills?

Tenants' Link
Struggling To Pay Your Bills 871X581

Are you struggling to keep up with your bills?

If you’re starting the new year struggling with debts, you may be feeling unable to cope. Coupled with the stress of the Christmas season, worrying about not having enough money to pay off your bills in January can be overwhelming.

It’s tempting to bury your head in the sand and hope your unopened bills will miraculously go away, but they won’t. And ignoring the issue will only make it worse.

The reality is that debt can quickly spiral out of control and affect other areas of your life including your health, relationships and work. So, it’s important you face up to the issue this new year and take steps to tackle it.

If you’re facing financial difficulties it can be hard to see a way through, but there can be light at the end of the tunnel. Our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team is here to offer free specialist debt advice to help you regain control of your finances.

Which bills to pay first?

Some bills are classed as priorities because the consequences of not paying them are more serious, for example if you don’t pay your rent you could end up losing your home. Your priority bills are:

  • Rent
  • Council Tax
  • Gas
  • Electric
  • Court fines
  • TV Licence

If you are struggling to pay these bills it is important that you let them know as soon as possible. They will discuss your options to help you repay your debt.

Maximise your income

Check you are receiving your full benefit entitlement at Turn2Us and contact Southampton Environment Centre to see if you’re entitled to any grants to help with your energy bills.

Draw up a budget

Working out your personal budget will help you to see how much money is coming into your household and how much is going out. It’s a simple way to calculate what you can afford to repay off your debts.

Don’t pay for advice

Don’t be tempted to contact one of the debt management companies advertised online. Although they offer to consolidate your debts into manageable payments, their help comes at a hefty price. Instead, check out our free debt advice online to help you manage your debts, or contact our Welfare Rights & Money Advice Team on 023 8083 2339.

Download or request a copy of our Dealing with Debt self-help magazine which explains the steps you need to take to sort out your money problems. It also includes sample letters to help you when writing to your creditors.

Back