Debt advice centre

Accommodation Concern provides a full, regulated debt advice service for residents of North and West Northamptonshire. The service is delivered by trained debt advisers who hold at least Level 3 Debt Generalist accreditation and are supervised by a Level 4 Debt Specialist. The organisation holds the Advice Quality Standard for Debt Advice, Housing Advice and Welfare Benefits.

The debt advice offer covers the full range of statutory and non-statutory options available to clients. Advisers complete detailed income and expenditure assessments using Standard Financial Statements and open banking where appropriate. Credit reports can be checked, and advisers help clients understand liabilities, challenge debts where appropriate, and prioritise essential bills.

Accommodation Concern can negotiate affordable repayment plans with creditors, request breathing space, and provide budgeting support. The service also handles cases involving complex circumstances such as benefit deductions, rent arrears, council tax arrears and enforcement action.

Accommodation Concern has three in-house approved Debt Relief Order intermediaries, allowing DRO applications to be completed and submitted internally. Where a DRO is not suitable, advisers can explain alternative insolvency options, including bankruptcy, so clients understand the implications before making a decision.

The service is holistic. Many clients face multiple financial pressures linked to housing, benefits, health and employment. Debt advisers work closely with the organisation’s housing and benefit advisers and tenancy support teams to ensure issues are addressed together. This approach helps stabilise clients’ circumstances, prevent crisis situations and improve long-term financial resilience.

Accommodation Concern is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for debt advice activities.