If you are struggling with debt in Devon, you are not alone and free help is available. Devon has a mixed economy including tourism, agriculture, healthcare, retail, education and a growing digital sector in Exeter. Seasonal employment is significant in coastal and rural areas. This guide covers your options from free charity support to understanding what paid debt services offer.
This guide is for general information only. It is not financial advice. Free debt help is available from charities and public bodies. Always check fees, terms, and eligibility before using a paid service.
List every debt, who it is owed to, the current balance, the interest rate and the minimum payment. Priority debts — those where non-payment can lead to losing your home, losing energy supply, imprisonment or bailiff action — include rent or mortgage arrears, council tax, energy debt, child maintenance and magistrates fines.
Before doing anything else, contact a free debt advice service. StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all provide free, non-judgemental help. They can advise on all your options including debt management plans, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs) and bankruptcy.
Free charities such as StepChange and National Debtline provide the same range of debt solutions as paid companies — at no cost to you. Paid debt management companies and IVA providers charge fees. Always try free help first.
A Debt Management Plan (DMP) lets you pay creditors at a rate you can afford through a single monthly payment. An IVA is a legally binding agreement. A Debt Relief Order (DRO) writes off debts under £30,000 for people with very low income and few assets. Bankruptcy is a last resort that clears most debts.
Be cautious of companies promising quick debt write-offs, high upfront fees or guaranteed results. Legitimate debt help is either free or regulated. Check FCA registration at fca.org.uk/register before paying any company.
Devon County Council and the district councils run separate schemes. Plymouth and Torbay are unitary authorities. Check your local council for current hardship and household support. Local Citizens Advice offices in Devon can provide face-to-face support if online or telephone help does not suit your situation.
Paid service: these may charge a fee. Compare free options first and check the terms before you continue.
Debt Review Service
A paid debt review service will assess your situation and propose a plan. Fees vary. Check whether the provider is FCA regulated, what fees are charged, whether fees are ongoing, and whether free services offer the same options.
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Start with free support. The services listed above are free, experienced and cover all the main options available to you. You do not need to pay to get good financial help.
If you want personalised guidance, Ask Fin can help you work through your situation and point you in the right direction — this is general guidance, not regulated financial advice.
Is it true I can get debts written off?
Some debts can be written off through formal solutions such as a Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy if you meet strict eligibility criteria. Free debt charities can tell you if you qualify. Be wary of companies making promises about debt write-offs — get free advice first.
Is there a local debt advice service in Devon?
Yes. Citizens Advice has offices in Devon. StepChange and National Debtline provide free help across the UK by phone and online. Your local council may also have signposting to local debt support.
Do I have to pay for an IVA?
You do not pay upfront for a free IVA arranged through a charity. Paid IVA providers charge fees. StepChange can help with IVAs at no cost to you.
What if creditors keep contacting me?
Once you are working with a debt advice service, they can help manage creditor contact. You also have legal rights around harassment. Citizens Advice can advise you on this.
This guide is for general information only. It is not financial advice. Free debt help is available from charities and public bodies. Always check fees, terms, and eligibility before using a paid service.