Sutton Council recently took the decision to block access to websites of pay-day lenders such as Wonga and Quick Quid across our main computer network. This includes PCs in libraries and in the civic buildings in Sutton town centre.

We did this because of concerns that some people, who borrow from pay-day lenders, end up in even more financial trouble given the high interest rates and penalties charged for missed or late loan repayments.

Rather than these lenders being the default choice for people who need access to extra cash, we want to promote the alternatives available and provide information about the various organisations that offer advice and help.

Managing your money

On our website, there’s information about the basics of managing your money. It focuses on the “five Bs”: budgeting, benefits, bills, banking and borrowing.

You could also look at some of the online training that’s available to help you manage your finances efficiently. CAP UK is one of a number of providers. You can also call CAP on 01274 760720 to speak to one of its advisors.

The Croydon, Merton and Sutton Credit Union

CMSU may be able to provide you with a loan if you have no other access to borrowing or don’t have a bank account. It’s much more affordable than using a pay-day or doorstop lender. CMS can also provide a savings account.

“I’ve got money worries – what should I do?”

The answer is: don’t panic.

But, the sooner you ask for help the better. We know that admitting you’re having financial problems can be difficult, but asking for assistance earlier is so much better in the long run. Here is a list of the many organisations which can help:

Sutton Citizens Advice Bureau
020 8405 3552

The Money Advice Service
0300 500 5000

Is an independent service, set up by government, to help people make the most of their money. It gives free, unbiased money advice to everyone across the UK – online, over the phone and face-to-face.

National Debt Helpline
0808 808 4000

The helpline provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. It offers debt advice for people living in different parts of the country.

Debt Support Trust
0800 085 0226

The Debt Support Trust is a not-for-profit debt advice charity with trained, friendly debt advisors who can advise you on suitable debt solutions. It is a national debt advice charity helping people across the UK.

Useful websites

www.suttoncabx.org.uk – 020 8405 3552

Sutton Borough CABx Service is a registered charity that provides information and advice on issues such as housing, welfare benefits, employment, debt and relationship breakdown etc. We are members of Citizens Advice – the national citizens advice organisation.

www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk – 0300 500 5000

We are an independent service, set up by government to help people make the most of their money, we give free, unbiased money advice to everyone across the UK – online, over the phone and face to face.

www.capmoney.org – 0800 328 0006

CAP Money is a revolutionary money management course that teaches people budgeting skills and a simple, cash-based system that really works.

This course will help anyone to get more in control of their finances, so they can save, give and prevent debt. CAP Money is a course devised by the award winning debt counselling charity, Christians Against Poverty.

www.nationaldebthelpline.co.uk – 0808 808 4000

The helpline that provides free confidential and independent advice on how to deal with debt problems. We offer debt advice for people living in different parts of the country. This is because the law concerning debt varies depending on whether you live in England and Wales or Scotland. You can be confident that the advice we offer is targeted to you.

www.payplan.com – 0800 280 2816

Payplan is funded in a unique way: rather than charging their clients, they receive donations from the credit industry. But don’t worry they remain completely impartial and deal with creditors to find you a solution that is affordable and sustainable.

www.debtsupporttrust.org.uk – 0800 085 0226

Debt Support Trust is a not-for-profit debt advice charity with trained, friendly debt advisors who can advise you on suitable debt solutions. We are a national debt advice charity helping people across the UK, whether you live in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland we can help you with debt advice.

www.croydonsavers.co.uk – 020 8760 5711

The Croydon, Merton and Sutton Credit Union can offer affordable loans for Sutton residents.