York & District Citizens Advice Bureau

Specialist Support

Debt Advice

Specialist face-to-face debt advice is available through the Bureau and at some outreach locations, helping clients to get control of their finances. This usually involves: preparing budget sheets, checking if there is any extra income or benefits to be claimed, or expenditure which can be reduced, explaining which debts must be paid first, and working out options to deal with the debts, including negotiating with creditors on the client’s behalf or enabling the client to do this themselves. We can also assist clients to complete bankruptcy and other court forms.

Where appropriate, we may refer clients to other agencies (IVA specialists Grant Thornton, Payplan, the Welfare Benefits Unit, the Financial Ombudsman, and mortgage rescue schemes).

The Bureau is also authorised to submit applications for Debt Relief Order by the Insolvency Service.

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Specialist Support

Clients needing special support

Some of our clients have particular needs because they have a disability or mental health problem. We will supplement our generalist advice service by providing special, dedicated staff support. Staff are able to offer more time to clients who are vulnerable and will provide ongoing support, ensuring that this client group receives advice that is tailored explicitly to individual needs.

Appointments can be made by phoning 623648 or via the general advisers in the Bureau.
Appointments for specialist support can also be made by clients' carers or other support workers.

Housing Debt Project

There is also a Housing Debt Project which holds advice sessions about housing and debt at different locations around the City.

Monday at Library Square (housing and debt problems only) from 1.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m. Phone 551200 (option 2) for an appointment.

Tuesday at Bell Farm Social Hall (housing and debt problems only) from 9.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Drop-in only, no appointment needed. Bus routes 5 and 12.

Tuesday at Acomb Housing Office (housing and debt problems only) from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Phone 551200 (option 2) for an appointment. The Acomb Housing Office is on Carr Lane. Bus route 5.

Wednesday at Clifton Children’s Centre (housing and debt problems only) from 1.00pm to 3.00pm. Drop-in only, no appointment needed. The Clifton Children's Centre is on Kingsway North. Bus route 6.

Wednesday at the CAB, 3, Blossom Street (housing and debt problems only) from 4.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. Phone 623648 for an appointment.

Thursday at Acomb Housing Office (housing and debt problems only) from 2.00 p.m. to 4.00 p.m. Phone 551200 (option 2) for an appointment. The Acomb Housing Office is on Carr Lane. Bus route 5.

All these Housing Debt Project advice sessions are carried out by staff of the CAB, even when the sessions are held in Council Office rooms. All advice sessions are confidential.

Tenancy Support

Some people have accommodation and need help and advice to keep their accommodation. They may have had difficult experiences in the past which make it difficult to deal with everyday problems. This often means they also have problems with their tenancies. The Tenancy Support workers provide lots of support, working with tenants, agreeing what help and support is needed. Contact Tenancy Support through the Bureau York 623648 or the City of York Council, Housing Options Team, York 551550

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Managing Your Budget

The Bureau offers free advice to groups who are looking for help with managing their budgets. The Bureau wants to help groups and local communities to claim all the welfare benefits they're entitled to and to make the best use of the money they have.

Most people could use a few tips to make the money go further. Many people have money saving ideas they'd like to share with others, too.

Contact us to find out how to book a session for your local group.

We often have great give aways, like calculators, energy saving light bulbs and our special booklet 'York on a Budget'. It's all free so give us a call today.

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