Homelessness prevention: money advice
The housing advice service has a money adviser
who provides free, confidential and independent advice to the
following groups:
- tenants in privately-rented accommodation in Tower Hamlets
- tenants in housing association accommodation in Tower
Hamlets
- owner occupiers who live in Tower Hamlets
If you have rent or mortgage arrears, please
contact us and we will help you to resolve those issues, together
with council tax arrears and problems paying your utility
bills.
We will look at your income, together with
your expenditure and all of your debts, then help you prioritise
what you need to pay first. We can negotiate with people you owe
money to and help you reach an agreement to repay the debt.
If you are unable to reach an agreement, we
may be able to help you defend any legal action. We can also
help you maximise your income by checking you receive everything
you are entitled to and if not, by helping you to make a claim.
Download Money
advice (PDF, 345k)
Five golden rules
If you have money problems, always remember
the five golden rules:
- Do not borrow money to pay off debts:
consolidation loans can increase the interest you have to pay and
could make your situation worse in the end.
- Do not ignore the problem: the longer you
leave the problem the worse it will get. Contact your creditors and
explain your difficulties as quickly as possible.
- Prioritise your debts: your essential bills
are your mortgage or rent, loans secured on your property, and
utilities. Pay these before making any offers to pay unsecured
loans, credit cards or store cards.
- Maximise income and reduce expenditure: get a
benefit check. Call Claim the Max on 020 7247 1050 to make an
appointment. Check your household outgoings, i.e. utilities and
insurance – could you get them cheaper?
- Get advice: speak to an independent free
advice service, like us. Be wary of companies that charge you for
sorting out your debts.
Useful links
How to contact us
In the first instance, it is best to telephone
us. We will take brief details and advise you of how we propose to
deal with your situation. If you cannot telephone, then we will see
you at our office.
Homeless and housing advice services
Albert Jacob House
62 Roman Road
Bethnal Green
London E2 0PG
Tel: 020 7364 7474
Fax: 020 7364 7222
Email: homeless@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Open Monday -
Friday 9.30am - 4pm
Access Wheelchair access.
Hearing loop in reception
Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green
Nearest bus routes: 8, D6 (Roman Road), 309 (Globe Road), 106, 254
(Cambridge Heath Road)
We also hold outreach sessions at One
Stop Shops in Tower Hamlets:
South Poplar One Stop
Shop
First Tuesday of every month, 9am – 12pm
15 Market Square (Chrisp Street)
E14 6AQ
Isle of Dogs One Stop
Shop
First Wednesday of every month, 9am – 12pm
Jack Dash House
2 Lawn House
E14 9YQ
Bethnal Green One Stop
Shop
First Thursday of every month, 9am – 12pm
1 Rushmead
Bethnal Green
E2 6NE
Stepney & Wapping One Stop
Shop
First Friday of every month, 9am – 12pm
Cheviot House
227 – 233 Commercial Road
E1 2BU