Debt Help UK: Where to Start and Which Debts to Pay First

Six unopened letters on the table, and you do not know which one can cost you your home.

Based on The Gazette on priority debts, The Money Charity and National Debtline. This hub is for England and Wales unless a link says otherwise. Scotland has different schemes, for example the Debt Arrangement Scheme.

Priority first, then the rest

The Gazette says rent or mortgage is usually the highest importance, then other debts secured on property, then council tax, and that fines are best paid as soon as possible (The Gazette). The Money Charity adds fuel debts, child maintenance, the TV licence and certain court payment orders to its priority list, and lists credit and store cards, catalogue debts, overdrafts and loans as non-priority (The Money Charity). Two sources, two lists, so ask an adviser about your own mix.

Here is what that means in practice. A missed card payment hurts your credit file and grows with interest, but a missed rent payment can cost you the roof over your head. See the minimum payment trap calculator for the real cost of cards.

Find your situation

Letters and collectors

• Debt collectors at the door
• Debt sold to a collection agency

Pause and repay

• Debt management plan

Write it off

• How to write off debt in the UK
• IVA pros and cons
• Statute-barred debt

Household bills and benefits

• Council tax debt
• Utility bill debt
• Car finance arrears
• Universal Credit and debt
• Attachment of earnings orders

Life events and your credit file

• Debt and mental health
• Will a default be removed if I pay it

Common worries, answered plainly

Which debts should I pay first?

The ones where the consequences are worst. The Gazette lists rent or mortgage, debts secured on property or goods, council tax, debts with court action such as a CCJ, fines and utility bills as high priority. It lists catalogue, credit card and personal loan debts as lower priority (The Gazette). Start with council tax debt and mortgage arrears.

Can I pay my credit cards less to cover priority bills?

Often, yes. The Money Charity says payments to non-priority creditors can sometimes be reduced to as little as £1 a month, though you may need help arranging this (The Money Charity). Read can you offer £1 a month.

Is it free to get debt advice?

Yes, from the charities. National Debtline says its helpline, webchat and online tools are free, private and anonymous (National Debtline). StepChange is also free on 0800 138 1111. Be careful of firms that charge.

What if I just ignore the letters?

They do not go away. Ignoring debt collectors can end in court action, and ignoring a CCJ can lead to enforcement. Read what happens if you stop paying first.

Is an old debt still collectable?

Sometimes not. There are time limits in England and Wales, but the clock can restart. Check your own with the statute-barred checker and read statute-barred debt.

Which route gets rid of the debt?

Only the formal ones write debt off, and each has conditions. Compare DRO vs IVA, then use the bankruptcy and DRO checker.

Worth reading next

• Debt Management Plan UK: How It Works and What It Costs
• How to Write Off Debt in the UK (Your Legal Options 2026)
• Council Tax Debt UK: What Happens and What to Do

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