Debt advice surgeries

24 September 2019

West Midlands Police Federation has teamed up with the Force Benevolent Fund and PayPlan to provide a series of financial surgeries for officers with debt problems.

“We recognise the huge issue that serious debt can cause on individuals and families,” says Steve Newbury, general manager and secretary at West Midlands Police Benevolent Fund.

“The Benevolent Fund has been working with PayPlan for a number of years to identify and direct police officers towards professional advice. There are a number of officers at this time who are seeking and working to take some control of their debt issues with the assistance of PayPlan but we know there are more officers and police staff out there who need help.

“We are offering individual and strictly confidential appointments here at Guardians House to those who want to take that first step and get some help and advice.”

Appointments are available on the following dates:

Wednesday 30 October
Thursday 31 October, and
1 November.

Please contact the Benevolent Fund at Guardians House on 0121 752 4919 to book an appointment or for more information.

About PayPlan
PayPlan advises clients on potential solutions for their debt issues. Its service is free, it is confidential and there is no obligation. PayPlan’s job is to put its clients in a position where they can make an informed decision on what steps they want to take.

Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, trained advisers go through a financial statement in the way that is easiest for clients which can be through its digital tool, through a pack they can complete and return or over the telephone.

They advise on budgeting, income maximisation and debt solutions such as debt management plans, individual voluntary arrangements and bankruptcy. They look at the disposable income and advise on all potential options recommending which they feel is the best for the particular circumstances but also explain why they are not recommending others.

In a debt management plan every penny you pay into the plan goes to paying your debts.

The PayPlan point of contact for the Benevolent Fund is Jane Clack, an experienced and qualified money adviser.

She has worked for PayPlan for nearly 20 years and has, herself, had debt issues which she was able to address after contacting PayPlan. She found the help so great she joined the company!

She has the Certificate in Money Advice Practice from the Institute of Money Advisers and the Certificate of Proficiency in Personal Insolvency. Debt advice is her hobby as well as her day to day job and she is also the chair of the Institute of Money Advisers, the only professional organisation for debt advisers in the UK.

Jane does financial statements with clients over the telephone but she also visits the Federation and Benevolent Fund’s offices in Guardians House to meet clients individually as sometimes clients feel more secure with a face to face consultation.