Which debts are most urgent?
The law gives different rights to different creditors. This means that some of them can take drastic action against you to try and get their money back. Debts that come into this group are called Priority Debts.
If you have any of the debts in the following list, you should always try to sort them out first. To find out more about dealing with these debts, follow the links.
Rent
Could lead to County Court Judgment or loss of your home
Mortgage
Could lead to County Court Judgment or loss of your home
Council Tax
Could lead to bailiff action, deduction from wages, deduction from benefits, imprisonment
Gas or electricity arrears
Could lead to pre-payment meter being fitted or gas / electricity being cut off
Magistrates' Court fine
Could lead to bailiff action, imprisonment
Child maintenance arrears
Could lead to imprisonment
Income Tax and VAT arrears (external website)
Could lead to County Court Judgment, action by bailiffs, imprisonment
Hire Purchase Payments (not Credit Arrears)
Could lead to County Court Judgment, repossession of the goods
Remember! Your creditors have to give you warning before they can take any action stated in the list above
What about my other debts (non-priority debts)?
Even if some of your other creditors are putting pressure on you to pay, you should not make an arrangement with them until you have sorted out the priority debts in the list above. Tell them that you are sorting out your priority debts and will contact them as soon as possible with an offer of repayment. Ask them to freeze interest and charges in the meantime.
Information on other websites
Adviceguide from Citizens Advice
Help with debt
National Debtline
Library of information about dealing with debt
Need more help? Live in Manchester? Send us an email
Information Provider:
Manchester Advice
Date Written:
8 April 2005
Date Reviewed:
17 November 2008
This information is for guidance only and is not an authoritative statement on the law. Please read our Terms and Conditions.
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