Money Advice

Are you in financial difficulty?

If you live in North West Leicestershire, the Advice Worker based at The Marlene Reid Centre, may be able to assist you

Debt Advice is aimed at people who find their debt situation problematic.

We can arrange an informal appointment to see a professional Debt Advice Worker, who can deal with all levels and types of debt. We can negotiate with creditors on behalf of clients.

Perhaps you know someone else who is experiencing difficulties? If so, then please feel free to point them in our direction.

All sessions are held in total confidence.

A Statement of Service, giving full details of all possible advice/assistance the Worker can provide is available on request.

For further information, or to arrange an appointment, simply contact the Money Advice Worker on 01530 510515

Proposed cuts to money advice

You may have read in the Leicester Mercury about the planned cuts to this service which offers debt and benefit advice to residents of North West Leicestershire. A review by Leicestershire County Council which funds the service has recommended that all the funding for this service be withdrawn. The reasons given are duplication with other providers and value for money.

We at MRC believe this is an important service.
• We have just one full time money advice worker, but working alongside several other staff and projects means that we can provide a joined up service to help people when they need it. This means that the service actually provides good value for money. Over the last 2 years we have helped 1200 people and dealt with nearly 2 million pounds worth of personal debt.
• Far from duplicating we work closely with other services, receive referrals and provide a personalised service, including home visits where necessary, that other providers can’t supply. All our partners are experiencing an upsurge in demand for support so a diversity of suppliers is necessary anyway.
• We also find it short sighted that such a service is being cut in the middle of a recession – the time of greatest need for people to quickly be helped to get on their feet again.

There is a consultation period running until October, so now is the time to have your say if you do not wish to see this service disappear forever.

What can you do about this?

Let Leicestershire County Council know how you feel. You can speak to your MP or local Councillor or set up a petition, either on paper or an “e” petition on Leicestershire County Council’s website. Please help us to continue to help residents of North West Leicestershire.
Thank You