Helpline

The CCCS helpline is 0800 027 4990 and is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday. If you use information supplied by CCCS we would be grateful if you could include our helpline number in your article.

Using CCCS Information

You are welcome to use any of the information on this website in articles or features. If you require further information, please do not use the 'Ask A Counsellor' service for press queries, as it will divert resources from those who need them most. Our press office will be able to answer any queries you have.

Debt Dashboard

CCCS Debt Dashboard is produced quarterly and based on data from some 30,000 people spread throughout the United Kingdom. It juxtaposes clients' levels of debts and ability to repay with broader economic variables.

A total of six variables are covered:

• Repayment difficulty index. The repayment difficulty index reflects problems reported by people on repayment plans. These plans are based on affordable payments agreed with creditors.
• Index of average DMP debt. This refers to the average level of unsecured debt being paid back by DMP clients (i.e. original debt) at any time. Because the aggregate is made up of DMPs established at various times, it is not possible to weight the data for inflation. The debt does not include mortgages or other secured sources of credit. These are defined as priorities by the CCCS and are taken into account in deciding an affordable monthly repayment plan.
• Index of average earnings.
• Index of ILO unemployment rate.
• Retail price index.
• Base rate.

In addition to these six measures, the dashboard will cover one other set of featured data each quarter.

CCCS research is available upon request from the CCCS press office.