Direct earnings attachments: local authority debt and new claims

CPAG

Direct earnings attachments: local authority debt and new claims

Local authorities should recall the DEA when the client enters insolvency or the DAS. Issues have been highlighted when the client has a DEA and then applies for housing benefit. Many local authorities reduce a client’s entitlement to these benefits based on a previous overpayment which is now part of their chosen insolvency option or DAS. This should not happen and should be challenged with the local authority. Where the debt is for a fraudulent overpayment, a DEA may begin again after discharge.

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Debt Advice Handbook Scotland 1st ed - with new material

Written in partnership with Citizens Advice Scotland, CPAG is delighted to announce the first edition of the Debt Advice Handbook Scotland. Based on CPAG’s best-selling Debt Advice Handbook, it details the stages of the debt advice process in Scotland and the key skills needed to give good advice. No money adviser should be without this essential guide.

The Handbook provides the most comprehensive information needed by advisers on the tools and strategies to help clients with their financial difficulties. It details the key stages of money advice, including on interviewing clients, establishing liability, prioritising debts, preparing a financial statement, negotiating with creditors and dealing with bailiffs. Emphasis is placed on taking due care of vulnerable clients and making sure that any payment arrangements agreed are appropriate. There is a focus on sustainable credit arrangements that do not affect a client’s abilities to pay essential living expenses and priority debts.

It is the go-to tool for specialist debt adviser as a first step in accessing primary legislation and regulations, and is also a reliable guide and training aid for the new debt adviser. Advisers who undertake debt advice alongside other sorts of advice work or other professional disciplines – such as social workers and housing officers – will find this handbook an indispensable resource.

Fully indexed and cross referenced to law, official guidance and to court and tribunal decisions, tactical guidance and examples are included throughou

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CPAG

This content was last updated:2024-10-22

Word count182,696

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