Housing debt helpline for Wales is launched

A new Housing Debt Helpline to provide free advice to tenants and homeowners in Wales struggling to keep a roof over their heads has been launched by Dr Brian Gibbons AM, Minister for Social Justice and Local Government, and Jocelyn Davies AM, Deputy Minister for Housing.

Anyone living in Wales can access the service by ringing 0800 107 1340. The helpline is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government with support from the UK’s leading debt charity, Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS), which will operate the helpline, and the Wales Co-operative Centre which will ensure awareness of its availability among those who need it.

The helpline will provide free and impartial advice from experienced debt counsellors to anyone with mortgage or rent arrears, or threatened with repossession or eviction by private and social landlords and face losing their homes. The aim is to keep roofs over peoples’ heads wherever possible.

Social Justice Minister Dr Gibbons said: "In the current economic climate, the Housing Debt Helpline is a very practical demonstration of how we are working in partnership to provide help to those who need it most.

“The investment the Assembly Government is making in financial inclusion is clearly bearing results but to improve upon this we must work together so that as many of our vulnerable people as possible can be helped using the resources available.

“The Helpline is a valuable resource in minimising the number of repossessions and evictions. I am confident that it will help many people to maintain their homes, prevent homelessness and offer a sustainable long term solution.”

Deputy Minister for Housing, Jocelyn Davies AM added: “Tackling debt and homelessness are high priorities for the Assembly Government.

"I applaud the combined efforts of the Wales Co-operative Centre and the Consumer Credit Counselling Service in bringing this service to life.

"I wish the service every success in achieving its goal of helping people to keep their homes, a goal we all support.”