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18/01/2013
NI Debt Service Launched
A new debt advice service has been launched across Northern Ireland by Advice NI.
The new service follows a £2.5m award from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
The integrated debt advice, Debt Action NI, service will run until 2015.
Fiona Magee, Deputy Chief Executive of Advice NI, said the most common type of debt was credit card debt, followed by personal loans, catalogue debt and overdrafts.
She said another major problem for people is owing money to lots of different creditors.
"For a growing number of people, crippling debt is becoming a major, life defining issue," she remarked.
"The Debt Action NI service aims to make getting on top of debt a much more straight-forward and achievable process. We can help by providing advice and support on managing repayments, negotiating with creditors and assisting at court."
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster officially launched the service. She said: "The addition of web-based delivery of debt advice is a welcome innovation, bringing the service to a larger client base and using technology to make optimum use of limited resources. The telephone and web-based services will never be the only routes to advice, but they are a growing part of the debt remedy jigsaw. This new service will ensure each client is able to receive support through the delivery channel that is most closely aligned to their needs."
Fiona Magee said the timing of the launch was appropriate, considering the post-Christmas credit card bills which many people will be receiving.
Debt Action NI says one client had two credit cards and saw his debt spiral from £7,000 to £15,000, with interest rising from 13% to 40%.
The client was made redundant and eventually had a mental breakdown.
He said: "The debt amongst other things nearly destroyed my life. The help Debt Action NI gave me turned my life around. The adviser dealt with my case with sympathy and urgency."
(IT)
The new service follows a £2.5m award from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.
The integrated debt advice, Debt Action NI, service will run until 2015.
Fiona Magee, Deputy Chief Executive of Advice NI, said the most common type of debt was credit card debt, followed by personal loans, catalogue debt and overdrafts.
She said another major problem for people is owing money to lots of different creditors.
"For a growing number of people, crippling debt is becoming a major, life defining issue," she remarked.
"The Debt Action NI service aims to make getting on top of debt a much more straight-forward and achievable process. We can help by providing advice and support on managing repayments, negotiating with creditors and assisting at court."
Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster officially launched the service. She said: "The addition of web-based delivery of debt advice is a welcome innovation, bringing the service to a larger client base and using technology to make optimum use of limited resources. The telephone and web-based services will never be the only routes to advice, but they are a growing part of the debt remedy jigsaw. This new service will ensure each client is able to receive support through the delivery channel that is most closely aligned to their needs."
Fiona Magee said the timing of the launch was appropriate, considering the post-Christmas credit card bills which many people will be receiving.
Debt Action NI says one client had two credit cards and saw his debt spiral from £7,000 to £15,000, with interest rising from 13% to 40%.
The client was made redundant and eventually had a mental breakdown.
He said: "The debt amongst other things nearly destroyed my life. The help Debt Action NI gave me turned my life around. The adviser dealt with my case with sympathy and urgency."
(IT)
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Citizens Advice to provide debt guidance
Citizens Advice in Northern Ireland has been awarded a debt advice contract by the government. Minister Maria Eagle said: "Debt in Northern Ireland is having an adverse economic, social and personal impact on the lives of many people here. This new debt advice contract will help clients to regain control of their financial affairs.
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CAB predicts major debt payment crisis in NI
With the Bank of England poised to raise interest rates tomorrow and court action on mortgage defaults in Northern Ireland up 32% on this time last year, the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) has predicted a major debt payment crisis in the province in the coming months.
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14 January 2009
Citizens' Advice Deals With Debts
Credit cards, personal loans and bank loans are foremost in the work of a government-backed debt advice service. At this 'fag-end' of the year - when pre-Christmas excesses begin to bite on finances - debt advice funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is said to be helping the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland society.
Citizens' Advice Deals With Debts
Credit cards, personal loans and bank loans are foremost in the work of a government-backed debt advice service. At this 'fag-end' of the year - when pre-Christmas excesses begin to bite on finances - debt advice funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment is said to be helping the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland society.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy day with outbreaks of mainly light rain at times, although there may be the odd heavier burst. Driest in the south and east during the afternoon. Moderate southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:Staying cloudy throughout the evening and overnight period with a little rain or drizzle at times. Mild overnight with light winds. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
