Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar

PRESS RELEASE

6 November 2001

For Use: Immediately

OFT And Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Work Together On Consumer Debt Campaign

While obtaining credit is becoming increasingly easier for UK consuers, escaping debt problems is a much harder and more challenging prospect.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar is joining forces with the Office of Fair Trading to promote the national consumer watchdog’s ‘Keep debt under control’ campaign to be launched next Monday (12th November).

With total UK consumer debt, including mortgages, reaching over £700 billion for the first time, the OFT is encouraging consumers to

Think carefully before signing a credit agreement
Compare lenders and APRs before borrowing - generally speaking, the lower the APR, the better the deal
Get good impartial advice if you are already in debt.

The campaign includes free leaflets, posters and a budget planner. These are all available from local trading standards offices, Citizens’ Advice Bureaux, the OFT website at www.oft.gov.uk or by calling 0870 6060321.

Free help on debt issues can be obtained from the following organisations

Trading Standards 01851 709577

Citizens’ Advice Bureaux

The National Debtline (24 hour answering service) 0808 808 4000

Consumer Credit Counselling Service on 0800 1381111

Direct Debt Line 0n 01323 481111

Ends

Issued by Nigel Scott
Communications Officer