prioritising debt

Mrs_Optimist

Asking for my sister who has got in a real mess.

She is on JSA. Has a notice of eviction for end of Month for rent arrears (secure council tenant) the Bailiffs are forcibly removing her from her home and she will be homeless.

She also has a court appearance in a few weeks for mon payment of council tax.

That's the only paperwork she has as she has thrown everything away.
Also been taken to court for non payment of tv licence. Behind with water rates. She has key meter for gas/electric so that is up to date as far as I can tell.

Her credit rating has been shot for years so no other loans or credit cards that I'm aware of although she may have a provident loan?

How do you prioritise those debts . My main concern is trying to avoid eviction for rent arrears and prison for council tax arrears but I am loathe to pay them off for her if it can be avoided.

Thanks in advace.

sourcrates

Hi,


It sounds as though your sister has many issues, going way beyond what can be sorted over an internet forum.


She should call National Debtline for more specific advice, the courts cant take much from her JSA in terms of fines, she wont go to prison, that's for those who wont pay, as a pose to cant pay.


I would say finding somewhere to live is the priority, are the council rehousing her or have they washed there hands of her ?


Rent and council tax are always priority debts, along with court fines, then utilities etc.
I don't suppose JSA stretches very far these days does it !!

National_Debtline

Hi

I agree with Sourcrates on those priorities and also that we’d really need to speak to your sister to advise correctly as there is a lot to deal with. You can call us yourself if you would like some advice as a third party.

James
@natdebtline