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Man signing IVA paperwork

12 Debts That Can Be Included in an IVA

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in Debt help, IVA.

An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is an effective debt solution for many people and it may allow you to write off a portion of your debts. Although there is no limit on the amount of debt that can be included, only certain types of debt can be included in an IVA – here are 12 that can.

1. Catalogues

ordering gifts from catalogue

Catalogues are used by many people as a convenient way of purchasing goods and spreading costs over a period of time. Catalogue debts tend to have high interest rates, so many people find themselves unable to pay. Your catalogue debts can be included in an IVA, however you should stop purchasing items in this way in order to manage your monthly budget going forward. 

2. Credit cards

If you’re struggling with credit card debt you may have previously managed this through transferring balances on to other cards and trying to keep your minimum repayment as low as possible. For many people there comes a point where credit card repayments, especially when coupled with other streams of lending, become unmanageable within their monthly budget. Credit card debts are another common unsecured debt that you can write off with an IVA.

3. Personal loans

For many people struggling with debt, an unsecured loan repayment can feel difficult to pay as it is one fixed monthly repayment, with little flexibility. It can often be larger than other debt repayments that you are faced with each month, particularly if you’ve used this to consolidate other debts from the past. Unsecured personal loans are included in an IVA. 

4. Overdrafts

Overdrafts are commonly used as a convenient way to access funds to meet monthly repayments on credit or bills. People struggling with their finances often find it difficult, or impossible, to get themselves out of their overdraft. In this situation people are often at risk of incurring additional penalty charges by accidentally going over their overdraft limit which only makes their problem worse. Overdrafts are included in an IVA. It is advisable to change banks to a provider to which you don’t owe money before entering into an IVA – any accounts to which you owe money will be frozen when you declare insolvency. 

5. Gas and electricity debt

hob with gas on

It’s quite common for people struggling with debts to build up arrears with their utility providers. These are unsecured debts, so they are also included in an IVA. This can include debts from a previous property as well as your current home. It is important to remember that you will be responsible for making payment to your ongoing usage after entering an IVA, the monthly repayments for your utility bills will be taken into account when carrying out your budget assessment.

6. Water arrears

tap with running water

The rules surrounding water arrears are the same as gas and electricity debt. You can include any existing debts in your IVA, and your ongoing monthly payments will be included in your monthly budget so you should find paying future payments manageable. 

7. Council tax arrears

Council tax arrears are considered a priority debt because penalties for not paying them can be severe. In rare cases, you could even be put in prison for refusing to pay. These debts can be included in an IVA and if you are unable to pay, it is important that you seek debt advice as soon as possible.

8. Payday loans

Payday loans should be utilised when you need emergency access to funds, and the balance will be repaid on your next payday. However, this is often not the case, and when this becomes a debt you need to pay on a monthly basis it can be very expensive as they have high interest rates. If you only make the minimum payments, the debt will continue to increase. As with other unsecured loans, payday loans can also be included in an IVA.

9. Store cards

A store card can seem like an attractive way of paying for your instore purchases, particularly where there are discounts being offered, or when you might not have the cash available at the time of purchase. Much like with catalogue debts, this type of borrowing can become difficult to manage if you have many balances spread across multiple creditors. The interest rates can often be high. 

10. Income tax and National Insurance arrears

Self-employed people struggling with debt often find it difficult to pay their end of year tax and National Insurance bills, alongside managing the repayment demands of their other creditors.

If you are self-employed (or have previously been self-employed) historic debts from HMRC, along with your expected debt for the current tax year will be included as a debt in your IVA along with other unsecured creditors. 

11. Tax credits

If you claim tax credits, there is a chance that you can be overpaid. This happens when there are mistakes with the information that the DWP holds about you or your financial circumstances change. Overpayments can be deducted from future tax credits or taken out of your paycheck.  These debts can usually be included in your IVA.

12. Guarantor Loans

If you have struggled to find mainstream credit, then a more accessible option is to take a guarantor loan; where you nominate a friend or family member to guarantee the loan repayments in the event that you are unable to meet them. As an unsecured debt, they are also included in an IVA however the Lender will be entitled to pursue the guarantor for any unpaid balance.

Need more IVA advice? Contact us today

At Swift Debt Help, we can give you guidance when applying for an IVA and answer any questions you may have about what debts can be included. We can also discuss alternative options with you. 

Fill out the contact form, send us an email, or give us a call and we can help you deal with your debt problem today.

Request a Debt Assessment

May not be suitable in all circumstances, Fees may apply, your credit rating may be affected.

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

IVA Documentations

9 IVA Myths That You Should Know About

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in IVA.

Applying for an IVA can be the right solution to your debt problems, but it all depends on your specific circumstances. It is important that you fully understand the implications of an IVA when making your decision. There are a number of misconceptions about this debt management solution. Some of these are detailed below, along with some facts to help you to decide if an IVA is right for you.

1. You will not be able to open a bank account

bank account with credit card

Although you may need to make changes to your bank account, that doesn’t mean you cannot open one at all. If you owe money to your bank through loans or overdrafts, they have the right to take money directly from your current account to pay towards the debt. This is called the right to offset. If this is the case, you will need to open a new bank account so your budget is not interrupted by the bank taking money from your account.

When you open a new account, you may not be able to have an overdraft facility as that is a form of credit. This should be discussed with your Insolvency Practitioner.

2. You will be forced to remortgage your property

If you are a homeowner, depending on your circumstances and the level of equity in your home, towards the end of the IVA, you may be expected to attempt to release a portion of equity by way of a remortgage for the benefit of your creditors. 

Upon considering an IVA, any obligations in respect of your property will first be explained and agreed with you before you enter into it. In many cases properties can be excluded from the terms of the arrangement where your circumstances demonstrate that your equity is either of a low value, or unlikely to be released by a remortgage.

In some cases where you are shown to have a significant level of equity, but a remortgage can not be achieved, creditors may agree to a longer IVA in lieu of this equity.

3. All creditors need to agree to the IVA proposal

When you put your application in, your Insolvency Practitioner will help you to write a proposal for your creditors, offering to pay a certain percentage of the debt and asking that the rest be written off. Your creditors will then decide whether they agree or not. But it’s a myth that all of them have to agree to the proposal for the IVA to go forward. 

Your creditors are not obliged to vote on your IVA proposal. Of those that do vote, only 75%, by value, must agree to the IVA for it to be approved and legally binding on all of them.

4. You have to tell your employer about an IVA

You only need to tell your employer about your IVA if it is specified in your employment contract. Some jobs, especially those that involve money handling or management, require you to disclose an IVA. This includes things like accountants, bank tellers, and legal services. Otherwise, you are not required to tell them.

Details of your IVA will be on the public insolvency register, but your employer will only see this if they actively go and search for your name.

5. You can’t obtain credit during your IVA

It is a standard condition of an IVA that you cannot obtain credit above £500 without the permission of your Insolvency Practitioner (the Supervisor of your IVA). 

Whilst subject to an IVA you are expected to live within a reasonable budget to ensure that you are able to pay your agreed IVA contribution. Therefore, you should think carefully before obtaining credit of any value as any subsequent repayments of this credit need to be affordable and within your budget. Credit obtained after the approval of your IVA will not be bound by the IVA and you will be responsible for repaying it separately. 

If you feel you need to apply for credit of a value above £500, it is important that you seek the consent of the IVA Supervisor before doing so.

6. An IVA will always be on your credit report

woman looking at credit score on computer

One of the reasons that people are cautious about entering into an IVA is that they think it will be on their credit reports forever and they won’t be able to borrow money in the future. It is true that an IVA is reported on your credit file, but it only stays on your report for 6 years from the date of approval; after that, it will be removed. 

7. Your IVA will fail if you miss a payment

It is important to make regular payments into your IVA, in line with the agreement. But it is a myth that your IVA will automatically fail if you miss one payment. If you are struggling to make the payments, you can speak with your Insolvency Practitioner who can work with you, and if appropriate approve a payment break. This gives you some breathing space to help you fix your financial situation. Typically if you become in arrears with your payments to the equivalent of three months (not including agreed payment breaks), this will be classed as a breach of the terms of the agreement, and your IVA is at risk of failure. Always talk to your IVA provider if you are struggling to make payment.

8. Not all interest charges or fees are frozen

Interest charges and fees make it far more difficult to get out of debt. One of the benefits of a formal arrangement such as an IVA is that interest charges and fees on your debts are frozen. Your creditors reserve the right to re-apply any owed interest and charges back to the debts owed if for any reason, your IVA fails. Once the IVA completes all outstanding balances will be written off.

9. You cannot save money with an IVA

When you take out an IVA, you will work with an IVA provider to produce a budget based on your income and expenditure. Your creditors expect you to offer all of your monthly disposable income towards the IVA. It may be difficult to put any money into savings at that point in time.

If your situation changes for the better during the IVA, one of the key principles of the arrangement is that both you and the creditors feel the benefit of this improvement, so you would get to keep half of any increase in disposable income. You’re free to utilise these funds as you see fit.

Need more IVA advice? Contact us today

If you want more information about the specifics of an IVA, or some advice about whether it is the right option for you, Swift Debt Help can give you some guidance.

Fill out the contact form, email us, or give us a call and a member of our expert team will give you the advice that you need.

Request a Debt Assessment

May not be suitable in all circumstances, Fees may apply, your credit rating may be affected.

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

man on laptop and phone in cafe

How To Apply For An IVA

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in Debt help, IVA.

An IVA is a debt management solution that can allow you to make affordable payments over a fixed period, typically 5 or 6 years. At the end of your IVA, the outstanding balances are written off and you will be debt free. This page will give you an overview of what an IVA is, how it works, and how you can apply for one.

What is an IVA?

An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is a legal agreement between you and your creditors. It’s a way of paying back some or all of what you owe over a fixed period, usually 5 years. You pay back a certain percentage of your debt in monthly instalments. Your creditors then write off the rest at the end of the agreed period.

Once your IVA is in place, your creditors can’t take any further action to recover money from you, so you are protected against bailiffs. Interest and charges on the debts will also be frozen.

At the end of the IVA, your debts will be paid off and your creditors cannot chase you for the remaining balance.

How does an IVA work?

An IVA allows you to pay back your debts in affordable, usually monthly, instalments. When you apply for an IVA, you will work with an Insolvency Practitioner and they will start by assessing your finances. Once they have calculated what your disposable income is and what you can realistically afford to pay back (usually over the course of five years), they will help you draft an IVA proposal for your creditors. 

This proposal offers to pay back a certain percentage of the debts in monthly instalments. It is then up to your creditors to vote on whether they accept the offer or not. If at least 75% (by value) of voting creditors agree, the IVA is approved and you start making payments to your Insolvency Practitioner. You typically make a single payment each month. Your Insolvency Practitioner is then responsible for making payment to your creditors on your behalf. This is a lot easier to manage than multiple debts that are payable at different times of the month. The fees and associated costs of an IVA are incorporated into your affordable monthly repayment, and they are agreed with your creditors at the time the IVA is approved.

During the IVA, you will be subject to certain restrictions. For example, you cannot borrow more than £500 without permission from your Insolvency Practitioner. You must also agree to keep your Insolvency Practitioner up to date with any changes to your circumstances and understand that it is possible that your repayment could go up or down as a result of this.

As long as you make your IVA repayments on time every month, it will end after the agreed term and the remaining debt will be written off. However, if you miss payments, it can be extended. 

What debts are covered by an IVA?

Tipped over money jar with coins pouring out of it

The majority of unsecured debts are covered by an IVA. Debts that are covered include:

  • Personal loans (including payday loans)
  • Credit cards
  • Overdrafts
  • Utility bill arrears
  • Council tax arrears
  • Income tax and national insurance arrears

Although most debts are covered by an IVA, there are some exceptions. Debts that are not covered by an IVA include: 

  • Student loans 
  • Child support arrears
  • TV licence arrears
  • Magistrates’ court fines
  • Social fund loans
  • Court ordered maintenance arrears

How do I apply for an IVA?

If you want to apply for an IVA, you need to get some expert advice first. In some cases, it can be an effective method for writing off debt and helping you manage your finances but it is not always suitable. Depending on your personal financial situation, you may need to consider alternatives. At Swift Debt Help, we can advise you on whether an IVA is the right choice for you. 

The next step, if you decide to go ahead with an IVA, is to contact an Insolvency Practitioner. Your application must be submitted via an Insolvency Practitioner that has been authorised to set up IVA’s. They will talk through your finances with you and assess your situation before creating a proposal with you for your creditors.

What is the IVA application process?

IVA process - 'steps' highlighted with circle

Assessing your finances

The first step in the IVA application process is an assessment of your finances by your Insolvency Practitioner. They will need to see as many details as possible including bank statements, payslips, and bills. They also need information about your assets. 

This gives them a full picture of your financial situation and how much disposable income you have available to pay your debts.

Writing a proposal for creditors

Using all of the information that you have given them, your Insolvency Practitioner will help you to create a proposal for your creditors. The proposal will offer to pay back a certain amount of your debt in monthly instalments. The figure will be based on what you can afford to pay each month.

The proposal also outlines what is to be done with your assets. If you own a property you will not be required to sell it, however there may be a requirement to attempt to release equity if you are able to towards the end of the term of the IVA.

As well as the proposal, your Insolvency Practitioner will create a report for the creditors giving detailed information about your finances, details of the IVA and reasons why they believe that an IVA is beneficial for all parties involved.

Creditors make their decision

Once the proposal is ready, your Insolvency Practitioner will invite your creditors to attend a virtual meeting, providing them with an opportunity to review the terms of the proposal before voting on it. You may also attend this meeting if you wish, but this is not necessary.

At least 75% (by value) of voting creditors must vote in favour of the IVA for it to be approved. If you get enough votes, all creditors will be legally bound by the IVA, including those that voted to reject it. The value of the debt that you owe to each creditor determines their influence in the vote. For example, if all your creditors voted, and you owe 50% of your debt to a single creditor, their vote counts as 50% of the overall vote.

In some cases, creditors may ask for changes to be made to the terms of the IVA as a condition of them accepting your proposal. These are known as “modifications”. If this happens, you will be asked to confirm your agreement to the changes before the IVA goes ahead. You do not have to accept any proposed modifications, but it may result in the IVA not being approved if you don’t. 

The entire IVA application process usually takes around three weeks. Hopefully, the creditors vote in favour of the IVA and you can start making your monthly payments.

How do I qualify for an IVA?

An Insolvency Practitioner will determine whether an IVA is an appropriate option for you based on your circumstances, but ultimately it is your creditors’ decision whether or not your IVA will be approved. Typically, you must owe over £5000 to at least 2 creditors. Crucially, you must be insolvent, meaning that you are unable to make the monthly repayments on your debts even though you have a regular income.

As long as you meet these criteria, you can start an application for an IVA. However, your Insolvency Practitioner will discuss other options with you as well. Once the proposal has been submitted, it is down to your creditors to decide whether they accept it or not.

What if my IVA is rejected?

rusty no entry sign

If your IVA is rejected, in simple terms your situation remains the same as it did before you put the application in. You still owe money to your creditors and if you stalled contractual repayments to your creditors while you were making your application, you may have additional charges to pay. 

You can put another application in, but this is not advisable unless your situation has changed. When an IVA proposal is rejected, the reasons for the rejection are usually provided. So you should bear these in mind when considering another application. If it is still likely to be rejected, it is unlikely your Insolvency Practitioner will agree to put a further proposal forward on your behalf. There are however no restrictions on how many IVA applications you can make, and it is possible to get an IVA approved in the future even if you have had one rejected in the past. The Insolvency Practitioner will always make an assessment as to the likelihood of creditors accepting your proposal, they will advise whether they recommend making another application. 

If you aren’t able to get your IVA approved, you may need to consider your alternative options, such as bankruptcy or a debt management plan.

Alternative solutions

There are a number of alternative debt solutions available to you if your IVA is rejected. At Swift Debt Help, we can provide you with useful information on these alternative solutions.

Bankruptcy

Declaring bankruptcy can be an effective way to achieve debt write off. Your non-essential assets and disposable income are used to pay off as much of the debt as possible. Typically you will be automatically discharged from the bankruptcy after a year, however if you are required to make payments out of your income (known as an “Income Payments Agreement” or “Income Payments Order”), then this obligation can remain for up to three years. After the bankruptcy is finished, the remainder of your debts will be written off. You have less protection for your assets than you would with an IVA. It costs £680 to petition for your own bankruptcy.

DRO

A DRO (Debt Relief Order) pauses all of your debt repayments and interest for 12 months. It is only appropriate for individuals with very low disposable income, and has other strict criteria that must also be met in order to qualify. To apply for a DRO you must submit your application via an authorised debt advisor. It involves a one off cost of £90 to have your application considered by the Official Receiver. If a DRO is granted, if your situation has not improved at the end of the 12 months, your debts will be written off.

Debt Management Plan

A Debt Management Plan is an informal debt solution, meaning that it is not legally binding. If you are unable to afford your current repayments, you can negotiate a reduced rate with your creditors. You will not write off any of the debt, but it does make it more manageable. This option could help you avoid some of the negative effects that formal solutions have on your ability to borrow money in the future.

Need further help?

If you are struggling with debts that you cannot pay and you don’t know what to do, get in touch with Swift Debt Help today. Our expert advisors can talk you through IVA’s and other debt management solutions to help you find a way to regain control of your finances.

Request a Debt Assessment

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

Signing of IVA documentation

7 Benefits of an IVA

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in IVA.

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement can be an effective debt solution if you are unable to afford your monthly repayments to creditors. You will make an agreement with your creditors, based on your circumstances at the time, to make affordable payments, over typically a 5 year period with any outstanding balances being written off at the end of the IVA. 

Understanding the benefits of an IVA will help you decide if it is the right debt solution for you. Here are seven IVA advantages to consider.

1. What you repay is based on your affordability

paying using a credit card

You will work with an Insolvency Practitioner when entering into an IVA and they will negotiate with your creditors. They assess your finances to work out what you can afford, and then make an offer to your creditors. Usually, your IVA will offer them a return that is lower than the total debt owed. However, the amount you repay is still likely to be higher than it would be if you declared bankruptcy.

If your Insolvency Practitioner thinks that an IVA is the right option, they will help you to draft your proposal which will contain a reasonable offer that is beneficial for you and your creditors. Insolvency Practitioners work with creditors every day, and would only agree to propose an IVA if they believe it has a reasonable chance of being accepted by them.

2. Manageable monthly repayment

monthly payment

The monthly payments you make are calculated based on your income and financial responsibilities at that point in time. In other words, you only pay what you can realistically afford each month, making IVA’s an affordable debt solution. You will be able to clear your debt while also meeting your other financial obligations. During the course of an IVA, your circumstances may change. If this happens, it is possible for your payments to go up, or down, depending upon your affordability at the time. 

3. Creditors can no longer contact you

telephone

For many people, being chased by creditors is incredibly stressful and makes dealing with debt much harder. But once you enter into an IVA your creditors can no longer demand payment from you. They are also barred from taking legal action against you (filing for a County Court Judgement, for example). The agreement is legally binding, so you have protection against creditors for the duration of the IVA.

Often, you will still get contact from creditors in the first few months of your IVA. This is simply because they have not updated their records yet and their system still shows that you owe money. If this happens, simply inform them that you are in an IVA and then direct them to your Insolvency Practitioner. 

4. Interest and charges on unsecured debt will be frozen

cash withdrawal from atm

Some people may find themselves trapped in debt because their monthly payments are only enough to cover the interest on the debt. The principal amount never goes down, so they are unable to clear the debts. Charges for late payments only increase the amount of debt, making it even harder to manage.

When you enter an IVA, all interest and charges on unsecured debt will be frozen. This stops the debt from increasing further during the IVA. 

5. Have an end in sight

end sign

An IVA is proposed to last for a set time period, typically for five or six years. During that period, you make your monthly payments, comply with the terms of the arrangement and at the end of it, any remaining debt is written off. An IVA gives you a clean slate and you will be free from any unsecured debts included within it, so you can start rebuilding your finances. If you fail to make monthly payments on time, the IVA may be extended and you will be paying for more than the originally proposed term. However, as long as you meet your obligations, once the fixed period is over, you are free to move on with your life without debt.

6. Your assets are protected from bailiffs

assets protected

If you’re not in a formal debt solution and you fail to make your payments, your creditors can file a County Court Judgement against you. If granted, this is one step closer to them being able to send bailiffs to collect on the debt. 

Once you enter into an IVA your assets are protected. In some cases, assets will be included in the IVA, so they are sold and the money is paid to your creditors. However, you can exclude certain assets like your car if it is of reasonable value and required for day to day living. The majority of your possessions will automatically be excluded already and you will not have to sell your home, though you may be asked to remortgage to release equity. 

Once the IVA begins, you have legal protection and your creditors can no longer take action against you, including sending bailiffs to collect on the debt.

7. You will receive debt support throughout the process

holding someone's hand to support them through debt problems

When you enter into an IVA, you work with an Insolvency Practitioner who can give you advice and support. You will devise a household budget in order to work out your disposable income and ensure this is affordable. If you have concerns about the IVA or how to proceed once it is finished, somebody will always be on hand to answer your questions. Having that support makes a big difference, especially if you are struggling with large debts.

There are some downsides to an IVA you should consider, such as an impact on your credit score. You are also subject to certain financial restrictions during an IVA. But if you are having difficulty paying your debts and your creditors are chasing you for the debt, there are a lot of benefits to an IVA. 

Get in touch with Swift Debt Help today if you are struggling with debts. We can give you expert advice and talk you through the different debt solutions that are available to you.

Request a Debt Assessment

May not be suitable in all circumstances, Fees may apply, your credit rating may be affected.

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

Pay debt sticky note

How To Clear Council Tax Debt

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in Debt help.

If you are in a difficult financial position and you are unable to make your council tax payments on time, you will end up in arrears. You still owe the money for the missed payments to the council on top of any future payments. So, it is easy to quickly build up significant council tax debts if you cannot afford to pay. There comes a point when the council will take action to collect the debt and if you fail to pay, there could be serious consequences, including criminal prosecution in some cases.

Fortunately, there are ways to manage the situation and either clear the debt or have a portion of it written off so you can pay the rest. This guide will outline the different options available to you and help you clear council tax debt before it gets worse.

Dealing With Council Tax Debt

Row of credit cards

What Are The Consequences Of Not Paying Council Tax?

Failing to pay your council tax debts can lead to serious consequences. The severity of the action that the council takes depends on how much you owe and how long you have held the debt for. Potential consequences include:

  • County Court Judgements
  • Bailiffs arriving at your home
  • Repossession of your assets
  • Prison sentences in the case of continuous missed payments

These are the most drastic consequences of failing to pay council tax, but you will be given options before these steps are taken. When you first miss a payment, the council will send you a reminder within two weeks. You will be given seven days to pay and if you make the payment on time, no further action will be taken.

However, if you fail to pay after being sent a reminder, you will then receive a final notice. This gives you another seven days to pay. If this is your third missed payment within a year, you will get a final notice immediately without a reminder first.

Continued failure to pay will lead to more serious consequences like those discussed above. At this stage, the council may take you to court and take out a Council Tax Liability Order against you. The court will order you to pay the full amount and give the council the right to apply to send bailiffs who can seek to take control of your assets to repay the debt. You will also have to pay the court fees, so your debt is increased. But you can avoid this if you settle the debt before your court date.

As well as sending bailiffs to collect the debt, the council can also take money from your paycheck or benefits including:

  • Universal Credit
  • Employment and Support Allowance
  • Pension Credit
  • Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income Support

The money will be deducted automatically and you will be unable to avoid this unless you can find another way to pay. If the deductions will make it difficult to pay other bills, you can discuss this with the council and they may agree to take a reduced amount so you can avoid further financial difficulty.

In certain circumstances, you can be sent to prison for not paying your council tax. If you are in legitimate financial difficulty and there is no way that you can afford to pay the debt, it is very unlikely that you will be sent to prison. However, if you refuse to pay and the court decides that you do not have a good reason for failing to pay, you can be put in prison for up to three months.

A single missed payment can usually be dealt with easily, but if you are in a difficult financial position and you build up significant council tax arrears, the situation can quickly spiral out of control. That’s why it’s important to take action sooner rather than later.

How To Deal With Council Tax Arrears

Person using ATM machine

1. Do not ignore your debt

The worst thing you can do is ignore your debt and hope that it goes away because it won’t. When you miss a payment, you should contact the council immediately, before they’ve even sent you a reminder. There are options to help you manage your council tax bill and avoid further missed payments in the future and the quicker you put measures in place, the easier it is to avoid council tax arrears. 

Call your council and inform them that you have missed the payment as you are unable to afford it. Ask them about payment holidays or payment plans. Many councils will give you a break from payments or agree to a reduced monthly payment with you if you cannot afford to pay. This allows you to continue paying, and the council are aware of the situation so they will not take further action against you.

There is also additional help available to you and it’s important to claim everything you are entitled to. We will discuss this in more detail later.

2. Figure out what you can repay

When you are already in arrears and you cannot afford to repay the full amount, you should still offer to pay a percentage of the debt. By paying off a portion of the debt, you can delay further action and give yourself more time to get your finances in order. So, you need to figure out what you can realistically afford to repay. This is also important if you are trying to negotiate a reduced monthly payment with the council.

Make a detailed budget with your income and all of your outgoings. Make sure that you include all small bills like subscriptions as well as your main utility bills. This will give you a clear idea of how much money you have left each month after making all of your essential payments. You can then use this figure to make an offer to the council. When determining how much you can afford to pay, make sure that you have accounted for all outgoings and don’t put yourself in more financial difficulty by offering to pay too much.

The aim is to be able to pay off as much of the council tax debt as possible while also maintaining your other financial responsibilities and avoiding further missed payments in the future.

3. Apply for everything that you are entitled to

You can apply for assistance if you are having difficulty with your council tax bills. As discussed earlier, you can ask the council for a payment holiday or reduced payment plan. If you are on a low income, you can also apply for a council tax reduction (CTR). This is a long-term reduction in your council tax bill so it is more affordable. Every council has their own system for taking applications and granting reductions, so you will need to get in touch with your council and find out about the process. However, they usually consider the same factors when making their decision:

  • Your household income – this includes every adult in the household and all benefits you claim.
  • Your circumstances – whether you rent or own the house, if you have children, etc.
  • The area that you live in.

You are not guaranteed to be granted a CTR, but you should always apply because it can make things more manageable. Depending on your income, you may be entitled to up to 100% off your council tax.

Certain groups are exempt from council tax in the first place, so make sure to check this too. Exempt groups include: 

  • Under 18s
  • Students (including apprentices and nurses)
  • People with a severe mental impairment
  • Live-in carers (as long as the person you care for is not a spouse, partner, or child under 18)
  • Diplomats
  • Recipients of money from the Education and Skills Funding Agency (as long as they are under 25)

If you or somebody in your household falls into one of these categories, you may not have to pay council tax at all, or you may be eligible for a partial reduction.

There are also income support programmes in place for people that are struggling financially. If you are unable to afford your bills, see whether you are eligible for Universal Credit, Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, and Housing Benefit, as well as a CTR.

Many people find themselves in council tax arrears because they have not claimed all of the financial assistance that they are entitled to. With a bit of extra help, you may be able to avoid the situation in the first place.

4. Apply for an IVA

Council tax arrears can quickly build up and if you are unable to repay them, you need to explore debt management solutions. An IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is one of the options for dealing with council tax debt. 

An Insolvency Practitioner will assess your finances and determine how much you can afford to pay each month. They will then make an offer to your creditors and, in most cases, negotiate a portion of the debt to be written off. If your creditors agree to the IVA, you can start making monthly payments. Ordinarily, you will pay the debt over a period of five to six years, after which you will be debt free. During your IVA, you are also protected against further action, including bailiffs.

Still Need Help With Council Tax Arrears?

If you are having difficulty with council tax arrears, Swift Debt Help can give you the advice you need. Our experts will discuss different debt management solutions with you and guide you through the process, so you can be debt free. Fill out the contact form below and we will get back to you soon. 

Request a Debt Assessment

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

Heating thermostat

How To Deal With Fuel Poverty

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in Debt help.

Ofgem, the UK’s energy regulator raised the fuel price cap to unprecedented levels in recent weeks. This cap determines the maximum amount that energy companies can charge for gas and electricity and now that it has been raised, households across the UK are expecting a significant increase in their energy bills in the coming months. 

As the government continues to look for ways to manage this crisis, experts are concerned about families being pushed into fuel poverty and facing mounting utility bills debt. This article will explain what fuel poverty is and how you can avoid it.

What is fuel poverty?

Electricity towers

Fuel poverty describes a situation when a household has above-average energy costs that are pushing them below the poverty line. When a household cannot purchase all of the energy that they need without their remaining disposable income being below the poverty line, this is considered fuel poverty. For a couple of working age, the poverty line is set at £244 per week after housing costs. So, if you are left with less than this once you have paid for energy, you are experiencing fuel poverty.

In recent years, there has been a sharp rise in fuel poverty in the UK. After the latest energy cap increase, it is estimated that 1 in 4 households (more than 15 million people) will be living in fuel poverty and may also have water arrears debt too. This figure will only increase as long as energy prices are still rising.

Why are energy prices rising?

gas cooker

The main reason for rising energy prices is a sharp rise in wholesale gas prices. This increase is passed on to the energy companies and, ultimately, the customer, which is why we are now seeing a big jump in energy prices. This problem is not limited to the UK, it is happening across Europe too. 

The rise in wholesale prices is caused by a number of factors. As we come out of the pandemic, businesses are reopening and more people are driving again, which is one reason why there is a much higher demand for fuel. This coincides with the onset of winter when demand is already much greater, meaning that we cannot produce as much gas as we need and the prices have spiked as a result.

How can I save on energy costs?

  • Switch to a cheaper energy supplier – Most introductory offers with energy companies give good prices. But when your policy renews and you are switched onto a default tariff, the prices can increase significantly. However, switching regularly allows you to take advantage of the best prices available. Tariffs are always changing so do not assume that your current provider is the cheapest option, even if they were when you first signed up. Energy comparison sites make it easy to find better deals and switch.
  • Install a smart meter in your home – Smart meters are now provided for free and they are an excellent way to monitor your energy use. By tracking how much gas and electricity you are using, you can make small changes to your lifestyle to bring your bills down. Your smart meter will also send automatic meter readings to your energy company so you get more accurate bills.
  • Switch to energy-saving lightbulbs – It is estimated that the average UK household would save £40 per year on their energy bills by switching traditional halogen light bulbs for LED ones. They also have a much longer lifespan, so you save on replacements in the future too.
  • Buy energy-efficient appliances and electronics – Large appliances and electronics are the biggest energy consumers in your home. Old appliances are likely to use a lot more energy than new, energy-efficient options. For example, an energy-efficient fridge freezer can save you up to £104 per year. All appliances come with an energy rating from A to G, with A being the most efficient. Check this before purchasing any appliances because, even though they are more expensive, an A-rated appliance will save a lot of money on bills.
  • Turn down your thermostat when possible – Small adjustments to your thermostat will save a lot of money on gas bills. Reducing the temperature by just one degree can save up to £128 per year, and you will not notice the difference.
  • Wash your clothes at a lower temperature – You can wash your clothes at a lower temperature to save money and they will still wash just as well. Setting the temperature to 30 degrees or lower will reduce energy consumption by roughly 60% compared with washing at 40 degrees.
  • Install double-glazed windows – Double-glazed windows provide excellent insulation to stop heat loss. This makes it much easier to keep the house warm without constantly running the heating. In a typical detached home, you can expect to save £110-£140 per year. The cost of installing double glazing ranges from £3000-£7000, on average. In 2020, the government launched the Green Homes Grant Scheme, which offers homeowners and landlords vouchers worth up to £10,000 to make energy-efficient upgrades to their homes, including double glazing.
  • Install roof insulation – The roof is the biggest source of heat loss in the home. By installing more insulation, you can trap heat in the home and reduce your energy bills. Insulation panels cost around £25 per square metre you want to cover, and you can save up to £225 per year in a detached house or £135 in a semi-detached property.
  • Research and apply discounts – There are a number of discounts and grants available to help people who are having difficulty with energy bills. The Warm Home Discount Scheme, for people on a low income or claiming Pension Credit, gives you a £140 discount on your electricity bill or a voucher for a prepayment meter.

The Winter Fuel Payment is an annual payment given to anybody born on or before 26th September 1955. The amount you are eligible for may vary.

Cold Weather Payments are given when the temperature drops below a certain level. You may be eligible for this benefit if you claim benefits like Universal Credit, Income Support, or Pension Credit. 

Researching these discounts and applying them can make your energy bills a lot more manageable.

Are you in debt from fuel poverty?

If you have already missed payments due to fuel poverty and you are struggling with utility bills debt, get in touch with Swift Debt Help today. We can advise you on debt management solutions, including an IVA or bankruptcy, to help you clear your debts. 

Request a Debt Assessment

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

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Can You Get a Mortgage with an IVA?

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in IVA.

Getting a mortgage with an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is possible, but there are challenges to consider. If you enter into an IVA, it is likely that you already have high debt levels and poor credit. This will be taken into consideration when applying for loans. Restrictions on borrowing during the IVA will also cause potential problems. However, it is not impossible to get a mortgage.

This article contains important considerations you need to take into account when considering obtaining a mortgage whilst on an IVA.

Getting a Mortgage with an IVA

Person holding keys for house

During an IVA, your debts will effectively be consolidated into one single payment. You will then enter into a payment plan, which you must adhere to for the duration of the IVA. There are also financial restrictions you must follow during the IVA, especially where borrowing is concerned.

If you want to borrow more than £500, you need written permission from your Insolvency Practitioner. So, even though you can technically get a mortgage, you need to seek their approval first.

It is important to discuss this with your Insolvency Practitioner beforehand and explain your reasoning for getting an IVA mortgage to them so they can advise you.

Will I need a specialist mortgage lender?

If you do decide to apply for a mortgage during your IVA, you will most likely need to work with specialist mortgage lenders. These lenders typically offer a wider range of products and can work with people who are in an IVA or previously have been. However, they will come at an extra cost in terms of fees and interest rates, and you will need a larger deposit.

Standard lenders will not consider your application, in most cases, so you will be limited in terms of loan options and you will need to work with more specialist lenders.

How does an IVA affect a mortgage application?

empty application form

An IVA can have a profound effect on the mortgage application process. Bear in mind that your main responsibility is paying into your IVA and clearing your debts. The restrictions exist to ensure that all available money goes towards the IVA. If you do obtain a mortgage, you may first need to agree to attempt to release equity from it towards the end of the IVA

There are also several factors that will affect the application process and dictate how much you can borrow and what interest and fees you will pay. Consider the following:

Disposable income

Lenders will consider your disposable income when deciding whether you can afford a mortgage or not. However, the majority of your disposable income must go towards your IVA. This will affect how much you are able to borrow. If you are currently paying rent, then the amount you are paying for rent each month is likely to be the best indicator of what will be affordable to you in terms of a mortgage repayment.

Credit report

An IVA is listed on your credit report and it can have a severe negative impact on your credit score. Lenders will do a credit check to determine your risk as a borrower. Having an IVA on your report will work against you and some lenders are far more likely to reject your application altogether.

Unaffordable rates

The likelihood of your mortgage application being rejected is much higher when you have an IVA. However, even if you are accepted, it is likely to be a comparatively expensive mortgage with high interest rates because of your poor credit score. Currently, the majority of your excess income is going towards your IVA. Paying an expensive mortgage puts more pressure on you and makes it much harder for you to manage your finances. In many cases, you will find that you are unable to afford a mortgage even if you do qualify for one from a specialist lender.

How to get a mortgage with an IVA

Row of little red houses

You may decide that getting a mortgage is the right option and you are able to afford it. In that case, the first thing you need to do is get permission from your Insolvency Practitioner. If you apply for credit over £500 without permission, you breach the terms of your IVA you put yourself at risk of the IVA failing, leaving you to deal with the demands of your unsecured creditors directly once again.

When you ask for permission, your Insolvency Practitioner will consider:

  • If the mortgage is necessary
  • How long it will take you to repay
  • Whether you can comfortably pay it alongside your IVA payments

Bear in mind that they can deny your request if they don’t feel that it is the right decision. They will be particularly mindful of whether it is to the benefit or detriment of the IVA creditors to allow you to obtain the mortgage.

If they do approve in principle, you need to start comparing deals. Make sure you weigh up a lot of options to find the best interest rates and deposit amounts. Tread carefully where specialist lenders are concerned.

When you think you have found the right deal, the insolvency practitioner will need to know the amount of the monthly mortgage repayment, in order to satisfy themselves that it is acceptable, before confirming their permission.

Applying for a mortgage after an IVA

Getting a mortgage after an IVA could be a far better option than applying while you are still subject to the arrangement.

Once you have finished making the payments and you are released, you are no longer bound by restrictions, so you can borrow normally without needing permission. You also have full control over your disposable income and no debts to pay, so you are likely to be able to demonstrate a higher disposable income and affordability, which should broaden your borrowing options.

However, the IVA still remains on your credit report for six years and it has a negative impact. Lenders may give less relevance to the IVA as time goes on. So, if you wait a few years, you stand a much better chance of getting a favourable interest rate than you would if you applied immediately after your IVA.

Giving yourself some time also allows you to build your credit rating and save a larger down payment, so when you do eventually apply, you can get a more affordable mortgage. Keep in mind that a rejected application will damage your credit score, so your likelihood of acceptance should be considered carefully before making an application.

Find Out Whether You Could Be Better Off With An IVA.

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Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

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What Are The Implications Of An IVA?

Written by Alex Swindells on . Posted in IVA.

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal debt solution that typically allows you to make repayments that you can afford, over a set period, with any outstanding debt written off at the end of the agreement. 

However, every case is unique and before making any decisions, it is important to consider the wider implications of an IVA and whether other options like bankruptcy may be a better alternative. There are a number of ways that an IVA will impact your life and your financial situation.

How will an IVA impact your job?

Man walking to work with briefcase in hand

Usually, an IVA will not impact your job, but there are important exceptions. If you work in a position of financial responsibility (bank clerk, accountant, solicitor, etc) it is expected that you uphold a certain level of personal financial stability. So, in this case, an IVA may affect your job and you may not be able to continue in that position until it has finished. Some other positions of responsibility, like working for the police and prison service or the fire brigade, may be affected. If you own a business, you can continue operating. However, it will be harder to find credit. 

Before entering into an IVA, speak to your employer and review your employment contracts to determine whether you are affected or not.

Does an IVA impact your future income?

Calculating income on smart phone

This is dependent on your career plans. If you want to enter one of the careers listed above, it could be a problem. Otherwise, it should not impact your future income. 

However, if you are planning to sell assets during your IVA, you may have to put some or all of the income from the sale into debt payments.

How will an IVA affect your possessions and assets?

Five pound note rolled up

When you enter into an IVA, you must declare all of your assets to your Insolvency Practitioner who will work with you to draft your offer of repayment to creditors (your ‘Proposal’). All of your significant assets will be listed within the proposal as creditors need to see an accurate reflection of your financial circumstances in order to make a decision as to whether your offer seems reasonable and fair to them. There is no legal requirement for you to sell or surrender any particular assets of value as part of your offer, however, generally speaking, creditors are unlikely to agree to write off debt for you if they believe your assets are of excessive worth which could be sold to help repay the debt.

If you are a homeowner, and have equity available in your property, it will be expected that your proposal will include your agreement to attempt to release a portion of this towards the end of your IVA. The inclusion of home equity, as well as any other significant assets, will be discussed and agreed with you during the process of putting your IVA proposal together.  

Can you get a mortgage with an IVA?

Man holding house

Getting a mortgage during your IVA can be difficult. You must seek approval from your Insolvency Practitioner if you want to borrow more than £500. 

An IVA (as with any form of insolvency) is recorded on your credit file for 6 years from the date it is approved, and is publicly available information as it is disclosed on the Insolvency Register. A mortgage lender or broker will assess your application against lending criteria. The fact that you have been declared Insolvent could affect whether a mortgage is available to you, or the rate that will be offered.

How long does an IVA stay on a credit file?

An IVA stays on your credit report for 6 years from the date of approval. 

Does an IVA affect financial mis-selling compensation?

In many cases, as part of your proposal to creditors, the Insolvency Practitioner will agree to pursue potential claims on your behalf. Any money that you are awarded is considered an asset of the IVA and it will help repay the creditors in the IVA.

What other restrictions does an IVA have?

An IVA has other restrictions that you should be aware of when making your decision: 

  • Missed payments – you must maintain payments towards your IVA. If you miss the equivalent of 3 monthly payments without any agreed payment breaks being sanctioned by the Insolvency Practitioner, then you will be in breach of the terms of the arrangement. If this is not remedied, your IVA may fail. Any payments that are agreed to be missed, still need to be paid at the end of the arrangement meaning that it could last longer than initially proposed.
  • Taking out additional credit – You are unable to take out any additional credit, of more than £500 without the prior consent of the Insolvency Practitioner. This includes use of catalogues and overdrafts .
  • Budget restrictions – When proposing your IVA, you are required to put all of your surplus income towards debt payments, and live within a budget. During the lifetime of the IVA if your financial situation improves, you are required to disclose this to the Insolvency Practitioner and your payments may increase.

Is An IVA Worth It?

There are a lot of IVA advantages to consider. You can write off a significant portion of your debt, in some cases, and you will avoid high-interest payments. Ultimately, it allows you to clear your debts and secure your financial situation. 

On the other hand, you must consider the IVA disadvantages when weighing up your options. It does impact your life and finances in a number of ways and you should think carefully about whether you are willing to deal with the implications. 

In the end, it all comes down to your own personal financial situation. At Swift Debt Help, we can advise you on whether an IVA is the right option for you and take you through the alternatives if it is not. Fill in our form below to find out if you are eligible for an IVA.

Find Out Whether You Could Be Better Off With An IVA.

Am I Eligible For an IVA?

Disclaimer: For guidance only. Financial information entered must be accurate and would require verification. Other factors will influence your most suitable debt solution.

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