Mobile calls to helpline now free

Tuesday 10th April 2012

People struggling to get debt advice can now ring a charity helpline for free from their mobile phones.

The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) has made changes to its system after research showed many people were clocking up bills by talking to advisers.

CCCS, based in Leeds, found that 25% of people called from mobile phones.

It has also extended the opening hours of its helpline so more people can access debt support at weekends.

Delroy Corinaldi, CCCS director of external affairs, said: "About 370,000 people contacted us for help last year, a figure we expect to grow as an increasing number of financially vulnerable households fall into difficulty.

"It is crucial that these households are able to access free advice from a debt charity such as CCCS, instead of turning to profit-driven debt management companies who charge high fees that will only add to their debt burden."

The helpline, which can be called on 0800 1381111, is now open from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays and weekdays from 8am to 8pm. Previously it was only available Monday to Friday.

In addition, CCCS offers free debt advice around the clock via online tool Debt Remedy, available at http://www.cccs.co.uk.

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