Types of Debt

If you’re keeping up with your non-priority debts but the number of separate payments each month has become unmanageable, a Debt Management Plan could bring everything together into one simple, affordable payment. It’s an informal arrangement rather than a legal one, which brings both flexibility and a few things worth understanding before you start.

Below, we’ve broken down the most common types of debt in the UK:

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Priority and Non-priority Debts

Because every situation is different, it’s worth talking it through with an adviser first. They’ll look at your income, outgoings, and goals, and help you weigh a DMP against other solutions before you commit to anything.

These carry more serious consequences if left unpaid, including court action, bailiffs, or in rare cases, prison for the most severe non-payment cases.
Priority debts include:

These are still important to deal with, but generally carry less severe immediate consequences, usually financial penalties, default markers on your credit file, or debt collection activity rather than losing your home or facing prison.
Non-priority debts include:

If you’re dealing with a mix of both, always tackle priority debts first our advisers can help you work out a realistic order to deal with everything.

Browse by the type of debts

Debt Collectors

Missed repayments on money borrowed through a credit card.

Payday Loan Debt

Short-term, high-interest borrowing that's spiralled out of control.

Overdraft Debt

Going beyond your agreed limit, or relying on an overdraft month to month.

Council Tax Arrears

Missed local council tax payments, which can escalate quickly.

Utility Bill Arrears

Unpaid gas, electricity, or
water bills.

Store Card & Catalogue Debt

Debt built up through in-store credit or catalogue instalments.

CCJs

A County Court Judgment made against you for an unpaid debt.

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