Managing debts

You can get positive help with worrying debt problems.

Consumer Credit Counselling Service

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service is a charity that helps you to manage your debts and to understand money.It helps people to take control over their own finances and offers a free debt counselling service. Follow the link or call 0800 138 1111.

Richmond Citizens Advice Bureaux

The Citizens Advice Bureau service is independent and provides free, confidential and impartial advice to everybody, including managing debt.

There are bureaux in Twickenham, Richmond, Ham, Hampton, North Barnes and Sheen.

Christians Against Poverty

Christians Against Poverty is an award winning debt counselling charity, recognised within the finance industry. It offers free help and advice to anyone in need, irrespective of race, gender or belief. Follow the link or call 0800 328 0006.

Problems with paying the Council

Please contact us as soon as possible to explain your situation if you’re having difficulty making payments and we’ll work with you to reach an agreement about how much you can afford to pay on a weekly or monthly basis. Although we can’t help you to reduce the size of your debt, we may agree reasonable instalments and stop any legal action being taken against you.

We take firm action against people who get into arrears and don’t contact us to talk through their money worries. If the arrears continue to increase or invoices aren’t paid, we’ll take debt recovery action, which could result in legal proceedings.

You have a number to options to pay your debt. You can:

  • Set up a direct debit - the safest and easiest way to pay
  • Call 020 8891 7418 to make a telephone payment
  • Pay online
  • Make postal payments by cheque
  • Pay at a bank or post office

Contact:

Finance, Adult and Community Services

Address: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ
Phone (Charging helpline and Residential Care): 020 8831 6215
Fax:020 8831 6199
Email: charging.helpline@richmond.gov.uk

Our office hours are 9am - 5.15pm, Monday to Thursday, 9am - 5pm Friday.

Useful links

Government:

Richmond Council advice pages: