Section 17 of the Children Act 1989 gives local councils a legal duty to support children in need. This includes help with money, housing, education, and keeping families together. If you are under 18 (or a care leaver up to 25) and not getting the help you need, you may have a right to it.
Council tax is a priority debt because the consequences of not paying can be severe, including bailiffs, deductions from your wages or benefits, and in extreme cases in England, prison. If you are behind on council tax, it is important to act quickly. We can help you understand your options and deal with your council.
In England and Wales, most unsecured debts (credit cards, loans, utility arrears) become "statute barred" under the Limitation Act 1980 if no payment or written acknowledgement is made for six years. Once statute-barred, creditors cannot use court action to enforce the debt. Mortgage capital shortfalls have a 12-year
If there is incorrect information on your credit file, you have a legal right to have it corrected or removed for free. Mistakes on your credit report can affect your ability to get a phone contract, rent a flat, or borrow money. This article explains how to check your file, dispute errors, and escalate a complaint if needed.
In England, insolvency options are broadly divided into procedures for individuals and companies. These range from rescue-focused agreements to formal closure or debt write-off processes.
Debt recovery for Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) goods involves debt collection agencies, potential court action, bailiffs, and credit score damage. Missed payments incur fees and can lead to lenders using continuous payment authorities (CPAs) to recover funds. Unpaid debts are treated as credit agreements, potentially leading to debt management plans.
The primary difference between the N244 and N245 forms in the UK County Court system is that Form N244 is a general application used for various court requests (including setting aside a judgment), while Form N245 is a specialized, simpler application used specifically to vary payment terms or suspend a warrant.
A criminal court "means form" (officially Form MC100: Statement of Means) is a document used by Magistrates' Courts in England and Wales to assess a defendant's income and financial circumstances. It determines the appropriate level of a fine, ensures payment compliance, or evaluates eligibility for legal aid
Non-payment of the £169.50 (2024/25) annual TV Licence is a criminal offence in the UK, potentially resulting in a court fine of up to £1,000, a criminal record, and, if fines are ignored, bailiff action or imprisonment. TV Licensing uses debt collection agencies like Themis Recoveries to manage arrears, but they cannot force entry.
If you have unpaid court fines, they are considered priority debts, meaning they should be paid before non-priority debts like credit cards or unsecured loans. Failure to pay can lead to aggressive enforcement measures.
If don't have food at home, Youth Legal can refer you to your local foodbank.
If someone you know has lent you money and is now threatening you, charging unfair interest, or taking your bank cards or documents, they may be an illegal lender (sometimes called a loan shark). You have rights, and we can help you safely.