If you need to find out about loans or are in behind with a credit card repayment, where can you go for help? There are a number of organisations that can help you. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites and can not guarantee the quality of service you will receive.
Citizens Advice Bureau The Citizens Advice Bureau service offers free, confidential, impartial and independent advice. You can find out details of your local CAB by using the website's online directory (see link on right) or by looking up its local offices in your telephone directory.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service The service offers free advice and information to those affected by debt. Consumer Credit Counselling Service
Wade House
Merrion Centre
Leeds
LS2 8NG Tel: 0800 138 1111
National Debtline A helpline that offers confidential and independent advice to those in debt. National Debtline
Tricorn House
51-53 Hagley Road
Birmingham
B16 8TP Tel: 0808 808 4000
Fax: 0121 703 6940
Advice UK The new name for the Federation of Information and Advice Centres. It is a large network of advice-providing organisations. Telephone: 020 7407 4070 or visit its website. For agencies in Northern Ireland, contact the Association of Independent Advice Centres on 028 9064 5919.
Credit reference agencies The following agencies hold information about people's credit histories. When you apply for a loan or credit card, this information is taken into account before any deal can be approved. You can always check your credit history to make sure the information is correct, by contacting these agencies. Experian Ltd
Consumer Help Service
P.O. Box 8000
Nottingham
NG80 7WF
08702 416 212
Equifax Credit Information
Credit File Advice
PO Box 1140
Bradford
B21 50S
08705 143 700
Ireland:
Irish Credit Bureau
ICB House
Newstead
Clonskeagh
Dublin 14
00 353 1 260 0388 (From UK)
01 260 0388 (From Ireland)
Information Commissioner The commissioner is responsible for enforcing the law regarding data protection and freedom of information Information Commissioner
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF Tel: 01625 545 745
Fax: 01625 524 510
The Insolvency Service The service provides information for individuals and businesses affected by insolvency. The Insolvency Service
21 Bloomsbury Street
London
WC1B 3QW
Tel: 020 7291 6895
Council of Mortgage Lenders The CML represents the interests of mortgage lenders in the UK Council of Mortgage Lenders
North West Wing, Bush House
Aldwych
London
WC2B 4PJ Telephone: 0845 373 6771
Financial Ombudsman Service the Financial Ombudsman Service provides consumers with a free, independent service for resolving disputes with financial firms Financial Ombudsman Service
South Quay Plaza
183 Marsh Wall
London
E14 9SR Tel: 0845 080 1800
Fax: 020 7964 1001
Financial Services Authority The FSA aims to maintain efficient, orderly and clean financial markets and help retail consumers achieve a fair deal The Financial Services Authority
25 The North Colonnade
Canary Wharf
London E14 5HS
Tel: 020 7066 1000
Financial Services Compensation Scheme The FSCS may pay compensation if an authorised firm is unable to pay claims against it. Financial Services Compensation Scheme
7th Floor
Lloyds Chambers
Portsoken Street
London
E1 8BN Tel: 020 7892 7300 Fax: 020 7892 7301
General Insurance Standards Council The council is the watchdog established to set, monitor and enforce standards in all areas of general insurance, including the fair treatment of customers. General Insurance Standards Council
110 Cannon Street
London
EC4N 6EU
Tel: 020 7648 7800
Fax: 020 7648 7808
The Institute of Chartered Accountants The Institute of Chartered Accountants is the largest professional accountancy body in Europe, with over 125,000 members. Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
Chartered Accountants' Hall
PO Box 433
Moorgate Place
London
EC2P 2BJ Tel: 0207 920 8100
The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland CA House
21 Haymarket Yards
Edinburgh
EH12 5BH Tel: 0131 347 0100
Fax: 0131 347 0105
Institute of Financial Planning The Institute is the professional body that represents those involved financial planning. Institute of Financial Planning
Whitefriars Centre
Lewins Mead
Bristol
BS1 2NT
Tel. - 0117 945 2470
Fax - 0117 929 2214
Office of Fair Trading The OFT protects consumer rights and ensures that business compete fairly Office of Fair Trading
Fleetbank House
2-6 Salisbury Square
London
EC4Y 8JX Tel: 08457 22 44 99
Consumers' Association The Association campaigns on key issues related to consumption of goods and services Consumers' Association
2 Marylebone Road
London
NW1 4DF
Tel: 020 7770 7000
Fax: 020 7770 7600
The Consumer Credit Association The Consumer Credit Association represents businesses involved in the UK credit industry Consumer Credit Association
Queens House
Queens Road
Chester
CH1 3BQ
Tel: 01244 312044
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