Anyone dealing with any aspect of debt advice needs to have an up-to-date copy of this Handbook on their desk. It contains all the essential information needed by advisers dealing with debt problems, and explains the key stages and issues in money advice. This new edition has been revised and updated with recent changes to legislation, caselaw, court procedure and practice. It covers payday loans and the sweeping changes to bailiffs’ powers and fees taking place in April 2014, together with new guidance. It also covers changes to the consumer credit regime following the Financial Conduct Authority taking over as regulator. The Debt Advice Handbook gives practitioners a comprehensive guide to the money advice process in England and Wales. It explains the key stages and issues in money advice and provides guidance on interviewing clients; dealing with emergencies; establishing liability for debts; income maximisation; prioritising debts; preparing financial statements and negotiating with creditors. As well as outlining the debt advice process, it helps advisers choose the most effective strategies and deal with unacceptable debt collection practices. There are sections covering business and student debts, and court action by creditors to recover debts and repossess property/goods. Further sections deal with enforcement in magistrates’ courts, bailiffs, and insolvency. The Handbook is written for money advisers, welfare rights workers, social workers, solicitors, housing officers, consumer advisers, bank and building society staff and other financial advisers, and is supplied to all Citizens Advice Bureaux in England and Wales. And as The Times says – .’people in debt may also find it useful as a self-help guide.’
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