Non-Priority Debts

These include numerous types of debts where the creditor does not have the extra powers of recovery (for example they cannot take your home or seize goods). This means they will not have to be treated as priority and offers only made after arrangements have been agreed with your priority creditors.

Common Examples of Non-priority Debts

Credit Cards
Catalogues
Unsecured Bank & Building Society Loans
Personal Loans (including Doorstep Lenders)
Overdrafts
Book Clubs
Water and sewage charge arrears
Parking penalties issued by Local Authorities

If you have problems paying your non-priority creditors you should always check if you have any relevant insurance cover on your accounts.

Others Which May Be Non-priority (depending on circumstances)

Rent Arrears / Mortgage Shortfalls (previous properties)
Electricity & Gas (previous property or old supplier)
Hire Purchase (where goods have been re-possessed)
Telephone (disconnected accounts land & mobiles)
Rental Agreements (old accounts, TV / Sky etc)
Clubs (example health / slimming)
Benefit Overpayments (where benefit no longer paid and not subject to a DWP Direct Earning Attachment pilot scheme DEA)
Social Fund Loans (where benefit no longer paid and not subject to a DWP Direct Earning Attachment pilot scheme DEA)

Please note that it is common practice for some non-priority creditors to attempt to pressure people into paying them before more important priority debts. Examples are doorstep collectors, collection agencies and call centres. You should always make sure that your priority creditors have been dealt with before making arrangements with, or paying any non-priority creditors.

How do I deal with Loan Sharks?
- Report a Loan Shark - gov.uk
- Dealing with Loan Sharks - Royal British Legion

You should always check your creditor correspondence as non-priority creditors sometimes take legal action including County Court Judgments (CCJs). If you do receive a Court Claim, you will need to respond within a set time. Don't panic, check the details before completing and returning the relevant form. If you are not sure about anything get immediate independent advice.

If you have problems paying your non-priority creditors or any other debts you should get proper independent impartial advice on all your options and solutions before making any decisions on a course of action.

Please see the "What are my options?" section for further in depth advice and information on dealing with your creditors and debts.