Are you burying your head in the sand? That's the question Trading Standards is asking residents of South Ayrshire this New Year as credit cards bills start dropping through their letterboxes. Today sees the launch of South Ayrshire Council's "Don't hide from your debt!" campaign aimed at increasing awareness of the free, impartial, independent and confidential money advice/debt counselling service on offer.

Over the coming weeks there will be ads on local radio, buses and bus shelters and leaflets will be distributed to the local community highlighting the availability of the free service provided by the Council's Trading Standards service.

Councillor Hugh Hunter, Convener of South Ayrshire Council's Community Safety Committee said, "Seeking advice and assistance early on is so important when someone has financial problems. Newspapers and daytime television are full of adverts offering loans. However someone who is struggling financially and has debts should never try and get out of the situation by taking on more debt without seeking professional advice.

Advisors within Trading Standards can examine the full position, explain the available options and establish realistic repayment with creditors. This way the person may avoid further court action, disconnection or eviction, which should alleviate stress and anxiety in the home."

Last year advisors helped over 1200 South Ayrshire residents dig their way out of debt by helping them establish realistic repayment arrangements with creditors. Advisors can discuss the options available to clients.

The Scottish Government has introduced a Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS), a new free debt management tool to help people when they are in debt. Advisors within the Council's Trading Standards Service are the only DAS approved money advisers in South Ayrshire who are able to access this scheme for residents. A DAS can help people if they are in debt by giving them time to pay, which prevents creditors taking enforcement action. In addition it can be beneficial to creditors as they will receive regular repayments and will not have the additional costs involved or time spent in taking court action.

One resident who used the service last year said, "I was off my work due to ill health and did not have enough money coming into to pay all my bills. I didn't know what to do then I saw a leaflet from Trading Standards and phoned an advisor for a confidential interview. I was initially embarrassed to ask for help but now know this is the best thing I have ever done. A payment arrangement was reached with all the creditors and I could start to get my life together again".

However, it's not just the person in debt that benefits from this service but the creditor too. Often a creditor's only solution is to take court action because of non-payment so it helpful for them to have the assistance of Trading Standards to plan a programme of regular repayments. If you or you know anyone that would benefit from our service please do not hesitate to contact our helpline on (01292) 61-60-60.

Visit our web site at :

http://www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards

January 2006