It's #DebtAwarenessWeek, and we're exploring shame and stigma - we want to challenge attitudes to debt and help people access the support they need 💷 www.stepchange.org/debt-awareness-week.aspx (1/5)

My latest blog is about the @stepchange.bsky.social report launch event which I attended this week on behalf of Money Advice Plus. Great to see such a large provider elevating the issue of #CoercedDebt by exploring client experiences and being a champion of this work. #EconomicAbuse

Council tax rules include a final sanction of imprisonment in cases of non-payment - yet new data shows that hardly anyone goes to prison So it's high time this outdated regulation - which hangs over those in financial difficulty - is revoked inews.co.uk/news/council...

How broke councils are using the threat of prison against vulnerable people

The number of people being taken to court because they have not paid their council tax is rising – but campaigners argue the threat of prison is being used as a ‘tactic’ as figures reveal it is rarely...

inews.co.uk

We’re campaigning for council tax reform, pushing for a more compassionate approach Our client Michael shared his story, while Emily Whitford highlighted the struggles of those in arrears in an interview with @theipaper.com and @adamforrest.bsky.social inews.co.uk/news/council...

I couldn’t pay my council tax - ‘scary’ bailiffs threatened to take everything

Michael says dealing with debt collectors after his motorbike crash was ‘traumatic’ - as charities call for changes in enforcement

inews.co.uk

Today, we’re launching our latest policy report ‘Too close to home’, which explores StepChange debt advice clients’ experiences of coerced debt.​​ Read the report here: stepchange.org/policy-and-r...

🎉 Our impact in 2024 🎉 We’re very proud to share our 2024 Impact Report which highlights how we delivered on our strategic objectives last year. This includes full debt advice to over 170k people and supporting our clients to repay over £360m in debt. Download the report here ➡️ t.co/1LYsll5CeU

In Westminster Hall, @lukecharters.bsky.social has just moved a motion considering regulation of the bailiff sector. We've long called on the Government to properly regulate enforcement action to drive up standards and reduce harm, harm we hear from our clients all too often.

We are delighted to see that @lukecharters.bsky.social has secured a Westminster Hall debate on bailiff regulation 🙌

Our client data shows a concerning 82% rise in average mortgage arrears year on year. While the fall in interest rates will offer some reassurance to homeowners today, it’s clear that some households are still at risk of long-term financial hardship. Read more: www.stepchange.org/media-centre...

Our client Steve shares how talking about his situation helped relieve some of the stress he was feeling when faced with uncertainty around his mortgage. He hopes that others are encouraged to seek help this #NationalStorytellingWeek. www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyGkt31nRdw&t=5s

Credit Card Debts: How Steve Got Help

YouTube video by StepChange Debt Charity

youtube.com

At StepChange, we recognise the immense power of stories to break down stigma and advocate for change. This #NationalStorytellingWeek, we’d like to take the opportunity to highlight some of our client stories, starting with Alannah and her family. www.youtube.com/watch?v=0t8S9P9AfxQ

'I was in thousands of pounds worth of debt' - How StepChange helped me

YouTube video by StepChange Debt Charity

youtube.com

🏆 Excellence in customer service isn't just a goal at StepChange - it's our daily commitment. That's why receiving the Feefo 2025 Platinum Trusted Service Award means so much to us! To our customers: thank you for your trust, and feedback on Feefo.

📻 Our Chief Client Officer, @Politicana, is on @bbcradio4.bsky.social You and Yours. Listen now 👇 www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

Radio 4 - Listen Live - BBC Sounds

Listen live to BBC Radio 4 on BBC Sounds

bbc.co.uk

Working with Luke Charters MP, we've written to Sarah Sackman KC MP as part of our campaign to see bailiffs regulated. We know all too well the impact enforcement action has on the most vulnerable and we need to see the Government act 🤝

🚨 New StepChange research shows around 12.5 million people are worried about their ability to pay their council tax. Those who do fall behind on council tax all too often face punitive collection action - including a possible sanction of imprisonment. 👇

A huge thank you to our brilliant specialists Dennis Hussey and Richard Lane 👋 @stepchange.bsky.social @nationaldebtline.bsky.social #MartinLewis

Tonight, Richard Lane from @stepchange.bsky.social and Dennis Hussey from @nationaldebtline.bsky.social will be on hand to help answer your debt questions ☎️ Tune in to ITV1 from 8PM 📺 #MartinLewis

We’re excited to share that our Chief Client Officer, Richard Lane, will be on the guest panel on the Martin Lewis Money Show Live tonight at 8pm for its debt special! Our helpline will also be open later until 10pm today for those looking for support with their finances 💜

Martin Lewis@martinlewis.moneysavingexpert.com · 2y ago

DEBT HELP SPECIAL - PLS SPREAD WORD. Do you have credit card, loan, overdraft or BNPL debt? On tomorrow's @itvMLshow 8pm I'll take Questions and I'll be joined by debt counsellors for questions on IVAs, bankruptcy too. So if you've got a question pls post here or email team at martinlewis@itv.com

Our latest Scottish client data shows a worrying rise in the proportion of clients struggling with mortgage costs, energy bills & council tax.

Tune into BBC Morning Live now where our client Luke and Head of Communications Simon Trevethick will be speaking to Iona Bain the risks of using Buy Now, Pay Later services. Catch up on iPlayer here if you miss it: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

Morning Live

Join Gethin Jones, Helen Skelton, Michelle Ackerley and the team for conversation, advice and tips to make your day that little bit easier.

bbc.co.uk

Struggling with debt can feel overwhelming, but you're not alone. Our client David’s story has been featured across BBC News outlets, showing how we helped him through his journey dealing with up to £50k in debt. Read his journey and find hope here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

January 'the hardest month' for debt says Rochford man

David Davensac built up £50,000 of debt before he lost his job.

bbc.co.uk

1 in 4 people (14.5 million Brits) said they struggled to afford Christmas in 2024. Our Chief Client Officer, Richard Lane, spoke to @greatesthitsuk.bsky.social about why winter is an expensive time and the importance of seeking help if you’re worried about money this January.

Londoners expected to turn to debt charities after Christmas spending

January is the busiest month for debt support charities, after the high...

hellorayo.co.uk

Our online debt advice service is available 24/7 at stepchange.org, but if you need to speak to us over the festive period, you can find out when we're available below. Today our phonelines are open as usual, and open tomorrow until 6pm 😌 We're here if you need us.

A more empathetic approach to council tax debt collection is long overdue. StepChange debt advisor, Sarah Muirhead, has written in @bigissue.com about her experience advising vulnerable people struggling with council tax and the urgent need for reform. 👇 www.bigissue.com/opinion/coun...

Council tax debt collection having devastating impact on vulnerable people

A more empathetic approach to debt collection from councils would be a significant step forward in protecting vulnerable individuals.

bigissue.com

🎄 Our opening times over the festive period 👇 Our online debt advice service is available 24/7 at www.stepchange.org, but if you need to speak to us over the festive period, you can find out when we're available below.

StepChange client Martin spoke to the Daily Mirror about the pressures of being in problem debt at Christmas time. This comes as our new polling reveals around 14.5 million people will struggle to cover their festive costs. www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news...

'Christmas made me ignore bills and get in debt – it's not worth it'

Shocking figures released today show one in four people across the UK will struggle to afford Christmas this year, and 1.5million people won't celebrate at all because of the cost

mirror.co.uk

🎄 Online shops use Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) because it spreads the cost over a longer period. Usually there is no interest to pay, but BNPL is still a loan. Let's find out more with our colleague, Antonia 👇 www.youtube.com/watch?v=grZh...

Buy now pay later explained

YouTube video by StepChange Debt Charity

youtube.com

🎄Our new polling reveals 1 in 4 people will struggle to afford Christmas, with around 4 million people relying on credit to fund their festive spending. If you're struggling with debt now or in the new year, we’re here to help. www.stepchange.org/media-centre/press-releases/credit-at-christmas.aspx

The link between early adulthood and debt is clear – often a challenging period in which people may be working, studying, travelling or more 👇

Our Project Development Co-ordinator Tessa and Community Retrofit Manager Filipe attended the Financial Policy Fair on Tuesday, hosted by @stepchange.bsky.social at the House of Commons. The event included MPs and peer organisations, focusing on income maximisation and financial resilience.