More than 200 people in Test Valley have applied for a Debt Relief Order in the last 10 years, according to newly published official figures highlighted by the free National Debtline advice service.

National Debtline is predicting that many more Test Valley residents who are in financial difficulty will soon become eligible for Debt Relief Orders, ahead of 'welcome' changes starting this month.

A Debt Relief Order is a way of dealing with debt that is designed for people with low incomes and few assets, and can give people who are eligible a fresh start by writing off unmanageable debts after 12 months. 

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National Debtline’s analysis of new figures published by the Insolvency Service shows a total of 245 people in Test Valley have applied for a Debt Relief Order over the last 10 years.

Changes announced in March's Budget will remove the long-standing £90 fee to apply for a Debt Relief Order from Saturday, April 6 onwards.

Further changes to eligibility rules from Friday, June 28 include an increase to the maximum level of debt applicants can have from £30,000 to £50,000. 

National Debtline says that these changes will mean Debt Relief Orders will become an option for many more people in future. 

Separate findings from the government-backed Money and Pensions Service suggest that 12 per cent of Test Valley residents are in need of debt advice right now, which National Debtline says shows the continuing impact of the cost of living crisis on local families. 

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Chief Executive of the Money Advice Trust, Steve Vaid, said: “Millions of people are feeling the impact of the cost of living crisis, and for many the effects have left deep financial scars. 

"With 12 per cent of Test Valley residents in need of debt advice now, our message to anyone worried about their finances is to seek free advice from National Debtline as soon as possible.

“No one has to face their debts alone. Our expert National Debtline advisers are here to help, and will work with you to make a plan to tackle your debts.

“And with welcome changes to Debt Relief Orders starting from this month, this option will now become available to more people who are unable to repay what they owe. 

"Whether or not you are eligible for any particular debt solution, there is always something that National Debtline advisers can do to help, so I would urge anyone struggling to get in touch straight away.”

Eight in 10 callers to National Debtline last year saw their debts reduce or stabilise after receiving free advice from an expert adviser. 

Anyone worried about their finances, in Test Valley or elsewhere, can speak to a National Debtline adviser for free, independent advice, including on Debt Relief Orders over the phone on 0808 808 4000, or get advice online at nationaldebtline.org.

More information on Debt Relief Orders can be found at nationaldebtline.org/fact-sheet-library/debt-relief-orders.