To mark Debt Awareness Week 2026 (16-22 March), organised by debt advice service Step Change, we’re here to remind you that support is available if you’re struggling with debt. Financial challenges such as increased living costs, unexpected expenses, changes in employment, or health challenges can affect anyone at any time, and feel overwhelming. But debt doesn’t have to be scary, and we’re here to help.
What is debt?
Debt it money you owe, often in exchange for a service, that needs to be repaid. This can include:
- Rent or mortgage arrears
- Utility bills
- Council tax
- Credit cards and loans
- Overdrafts
Some debts are called priority debts – such as rent, council tax, and energy bills – because the penalty for not paying them can be serious, including eviction or legal action. Non-priority debts, such as credit cards and overdrafts usually have less immediate – but still serious – consequences if not repaid. This can also affect your credit rating.
It is important to remember that debt itself isn’t unusual – lots of people use credit responsibly. It becomes a problem when you’re not able to keep up with repayments and fall behind.
Dealing with debt – what to look out for
Over half of people in the UK have experienced problem debt at some point in their lives. Almost half (44%) of people who have experienced debt spoke to no one about their struggles.
Signs you might need debt support
If you feel the following points apply to your current situation, getting debt advice and support could help you:
- Struggling to pay your rent or priority bills
- Using credit for everyday living costs
- Missing or being late with repayments
- Avoiding letters or calls about money
- Feeling anxious or stressed about your finances
If this sounds familiar, please reach out to us for immediate support. You don’t have to deal with debt alone.
Risks of ignoring your debt
If you ignore your debt, it can lead to:
- Increasing arrears and added charges
- Legal action or County Court Judgments (CCJs)
- Deductions from wages or benefits
- Enforcement agents (bailiffs) getting involved
- Risk of eviction in cases of rent arrears
How to tackle debt
- Speak to us today: If you’re worried about paying your rent, contact our Money Advice team as soon as possible. The sooner we know, the more options we can explore together. Our experienced and friendly money advisors will work with you to find the best solution for your situation.
- Pay your rent and priority bills first: Keeping your home secure is important. If you’re struggling to prioritise your debts, we can help you with that.
- Review your budget: Understanding your income and spending is the first step toward regaining control and better debt management.
Don’t wait, talk to us today
Call us on 0345 60 20 540 and ask to speak to our Money Advice team who will listen to your concerns and work with you to find a solution. You can also find lots of useful information on managing your money here.
We’ve helped many tenants with their debt concerns and the earlier you contact us, the more we can do to support you.
