Embarrassment is a key factor preventing people in financial difficulty asking for help, research has revealed. Being unaware of the help available also contributes to delays in seeking advice.
TV Licensing has today announced the launch of a new interactive online map, to help combat the problem and make it easier for people to find organisations in South Wales offering financial advice. The map provides locations and details of over 480 partners which can provide support on TV Licensing issues across the UK and can be viewed at www.tvlicenceadvice.co.uk
According to the National Debtline1, many people are often afraid or embarrassed to discuss debt. Nearly six in ten (59%) of their clients wait over 6 months before asking for help, while more than four in ten people (44%) wait for a year or more before getting in touch. In 2017, five percent (5.4%) of callers to the National Debtline, run by the Money Advice Trust, had TV licence debt.
The Speakeasy in Cardiff offers independent and expert advice, free of charge. The charity helps with a range of issues including debt, housing and welfare benefits and its drop-in advice clinics are open to anyone living or working in Cardiff.
Warren Palmer, Centre Director at Speakeasy in Cardiff, said:
“People are often reluctant to seek help with their debts, but simply talking to someone with the expertise to help can make a huge difference. At the Speakeasy, we’ve been delivering independent and confidential debt advice in Cardiff for 25 years; if you’re worried about debt, our advisers can show you the light at the end of the tunnel and help you break free from overwhelming debt.”
Fay Jones, spokesperson for TV Licensing in Wales, said:
“Our new online map at www.tvlicenceadvice.co.uk gives details of local money advice partners who are there to listen and help with money advice. There are a number of ways to pay for a TV Licence including weekly cash payments from as little as £6 a week, and we are always happy to offer advice to help people find the payment method best suited to them”.
“We are also running a new payment plan trial. More information about eligibility for the Simple Payment Plan is available on our website at https://spp.tvlicensing.co.uk or through money advice organisations.”
